Trump’s shadow hangs over the start of primary season | The Excerpt
USA TODAY
Trump isn’t on the ballot, but his influence is everywhere. What early primaries reveal about party divisions and the battle for Congress in 2026.
On the Monday, March 2, 2026, episode of The Excerpt podcast: Primary season is officially underway, and even though President Donald Trump isn’t on the ballot, his influence is shaping races across the country. Republican candidates either are aligning with him, challenging him, or testing the limits of his political power, while Democrats grapple with their own internal debates over leadership, strategy and how to win back voters.
USA TODAY Chief Political Correspondent Philip M. Bailey joins The Excerpt to break down the most important races, what early primary results reveal about Trump’s grip on the GOP, and what it all could mean for the balance of power in Congress and the future of both parties.
Hit play on the player below to hear the podcast and follow along with the transcript beneath it. This transcript was automatically generated, and then edited for clarity in its current form. There may be some differences between the audio and the text.
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Dana Taylor:
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