As voters in six states head to the polls Tuesday, June 2, President Donald Trump said he isn’t worried about Iran harming Republican chances in the 2026 midterm elections. The day’s primaries decide which candidates appear on November’s general ballots across
When voters in California, Iowa, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico and South Dakota step into polling places Tuesday, June 2, the ballots will do more than pick party nominees. They will shape who shows up in November’s general midterm elections.
President Donald Trump, meanwhile, tried to downplay the political damage he fears might come from the war in Iran. He said he isn’t worried about the 2026 midterm elections as the effects of the conflict in Iran threaten to hurt Republican chances.
The June 2 primary season is heating up for a reason that feels familiar to every midterm: the nomination fight determines the field long before general-election turnout begins. The offices on the line vary by state, but many races include U.S. House, Senate and gubernatorial seats. Other state government and local offices may also be on the ballot.
California’s race set for high attention is its gubernatorial contest, where Gov. Gavin Newsom is term-limited this year. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass will also face challengers, including former reality TV star Spencer Pratt, in the June 2 election.
In Iowa, New Mexico and South Dakota, gubernatorial primaries carry their own stakes. Montana and New Jersey will also hold their primaries the same day, each moving candidates toward the general election ballot in November.
Poll hours for June 2 primaries differ by state. In California, polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. local time. In Iowa, the schedule is the same: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time. Montana also follows 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time.
New Jersey opens earlier, with polls operating from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time. New Mexico runs from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time, while South Dakota closes at 7 p.m. local time after opening at 7 a.m.
One detail matters for anyone planning to vote: polling locations. Voters are directed to check the following websites to find their polling location for the June 2 primaries.
Through it all, Trump’s message is clear—he doesn’t see Iran’s effects derailing Republican prospects in 2026. The primaries on June 2. however. will be the immediate test of which candidates earn the chance to contest those midterms across the country’s most politically consequential battleground states.
June 2 primaries 2026 midterm elections Trump Iran California gubernatorial primary Gavin Newsom term limited Karen Bass Spencer Pratt poll hours New Jersey primary Iowa primary New Mexico primary South Dakota primary Montana primary
Wait so is Iran literally on the ballot too or what? Kinda confused how this even affects midterms.
Trump “isn’t worried” because of course he’s not. I feel like Iran stuff would scare voters though, like people actually pay attention to wars.
Poll hours got me more stressed than the Iran part lol. Like why does New Mexico close at 7 and South Dakota also closes at 7 but everything else is 8.
This sounds like the same song every election, primaries decide everything but then somehow voters just ignore it. Also Spencer Pratt running for governor?? I’m not even sure who that is, but I guess that’s Newsom being term limited or whatever.