How single-party primary elections are reshaping Congress

Some lawmakers oppose closed, single-party primaries as they limit voter choice and reward party loyalty over independent judgment. GOP primary voters in Indiana, Kentucky, and Louisiana have recently ousted state and federal lawmakers who crossed President Trump, including over redistricting. Mid-decade redistricting initiated by Trump has reduced competitive U.S. House districts, leaving more than 90% of seats relatively safe for one party. Because primaries are often run by parties, exclude independent voters, and draw far less participation than general elections, they largely determine U.S. House membership. Reformers warn that combining partisan gerrymandering with partisan primaries will increase polarization, arguing reelection threats come mainly from ideological challengers in primaries.

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