Dana Taylor

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Today kicks off primary season, and while President Donald Trump isn't on the ballot, he's everywhere in the primaries.

Across the country, Republican candidates are running toward him, away from him, and trying to redefine what MAGA even means in 2026.

At the same time, Democrats are facing their own identity questions as key races heat up in places like Georgia and Maine.

So what are these early contests really telling us about where both parties are headed and who's gaining the advantage

heading into the midterms.

Hello and welcome to USA Today's The Excerpt.

I'm Dana Taylor.

Today is Monday, March 2nd, 2026.

To get a handle on all of it, I'm now joined by USA Today Chief Political Correspondent Philip M. Bailey.

Welcome back, Philip.

I'm good.

So give me the lay of the land here.

What are the big races you're watching this year, and what's the story of this primary season?

Trump has been the face of the MAGA party since the beginning, but he isn't on the ballot, Philip.

Is his hold on the Republican Party still as strong as ever?

Philip, as you know, some Trump-aligned activists are pushing an executive order that would allow the president to declare a national emergency over alleged election interference.

What would that actually mean in practice and how significant would it be for presidential power over elections?