Takeaways From Primaries Featuring Spencer Pratt, a Missing Congressman and a Rare Trump Setback
The Morning Buzz: June 3, 2026
1. Takeaways From Primaries Featuring Spencer Pratt, a Missing Congressman and a Rare Trump Setback
The Associated Press highlights key takeaways from Tuesday’s primary elections across California, Iowa, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, and South Dakota. In Iowa’s gubernatorial primary, Trump-backed Republican Rep. Randy Feenstra was narrowly defeated by Zach Lahn. In California, Democratic Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass advanced toward reelection, though her general election opponent remains uncertain, while the gubernatorial contest remains competitive with Democrats Xavier Becerra and Tom Steyer and Republican Steve Hilton leading after polls closed. In Montana and South Dakota, lesser-known Democrats secured their party nominations, while several higher-profile independent candidates also earned spots on the general election ballot. In 2025, PRRI found that 33% of Americans said if the 2026 midterm election were held today, they would vote for the Democratic candidate, 30% said they would vote for the Republican candidate, and 20% said they do not know who they would vote for.
2. Blanche Says DOJ Has Nixed the ‘Anti-Weaponization’ Fund
Ryan Lucas and Jaclyn Diaz at NPR report that acting Attorney General Todd Blanche told members of Congress the anti-weaponization fund, which was to be created due to a settlement in President Trump’s lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), has been axed. The $1.8 billion fund was to be distributed to those who alleged that the federal government had been weaponized against them. Democratic lawmakers had criticized the fund as slush money for Trump supporters, and many Republicans were reluctant to support it. PRRI finds that only two in ten Americans (19%) say they are extremely or very proud of the way democracy is working in America today, compared with 54% who are only a little or not at all proud.
3. Most Americans Broadly Support Public Education for Undocumented Students – Regardless of Their Political Affiliation and Religion
For the Conversation, PRRI Public Fellows, Lina-Maria Murillo, Ph.D., William McCorkle, Ph.D., and E. Kyle Romero, Ph.D., describe their research findings on Americans’ sentiments towards public education for undocumented students. This policy, backed by 40 years of Supreme Court precedent, has come under scrutiny by Republican representatives in recent months. A survey of more than 1,500 Americans conducted by the fellows in April 2026 found that 76% of Americans agree with the statement: “I believe all children, regardless of immigration status, should have the right to public education.” However, partisanship strongly affects views of this statement: Democrats (96%) are overwhelmingly more likely to support public education for undocumented students than Republicans (58%). PRRI finds that most Americans (54%) agree with the statement that “the growing number of newcomers from other countries strengthens American society,” while 42% disagree.
4. Arkansas Declares June ‘Fidelity Month’ — What Does It Mean?
Emma Marsden and Amanda Greenwood at Newsweek cover Republican Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ proclamation declaring June 2026 “Fidelity Month,” a month encouraging residents to reflect on and renew their commitment to “God, family, community, and country.” The proclamation comes among a slew of alternative observances promoted by red states in recent years meant to counter Pride Month. Since taking office, Sanders and her administration have been criticized by LGBTQ advocacy groups and civil rights organizations for their stances on measures affecting transgender healthcare, education, and participation in public life. As of 2025, PRRI finds that Arkansas residents demonstrate some of the lowest support for LGBTQ rights nationwide, with just over half (53%) in support of LGBTQ nondiscrimination laws, and 50% in support of same-sex marriage.
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Learn more in the Survey Report: Trump’s Unprecedented Actions Deepen Asymmetric Divides