Trump's Verdict: Voters Weigh In on Former President's Chances in 2024

With the conclusion of his criminal trial and a guilty verdict against him, former President Donald Trump remains a polarizing figure in the 2024 presidential race. As the primary season nears its end, voters share their thoughts on Trump's chances of beating President Biden in November.

After nearly five months of intense competition, the 2024 presidential nominating season draws to a close this month with primaries in five states and the District of Columbia. While President Biden and former President Trump secured their respective party nominations almost three months ago, there's still drama unfolding in the final contests.

Trump's guilty verdict in his New York criminal trial, which made him the first former or current president to be convicted of felony crimes, looms large over Tuesday's Republican primaries. It's also the first round of GOP contests since former U.N. ambassador and ex-South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, who initially remained silent about Trump, announced she would support him in the general election.

Despite suspending her campaign in early March, Haley has been polling as high as 20% in Republican presidential primaries, even though she is essentially a zombie candidate. She remains on the primary ballot in New Mexico.

Protests against Biden's support for Israel in its conflict with Hamas in Gaza are likely to manifest in the "uncommitted" option on the ballot in several states.

In addition to the presidential primaries, Tuesday's elections feature crucial Senate primary races that could shape the balance of power in Congress. In Montana, the Republican Senate nomination is a three-way contest between Tim Sheehy, a decorated veteran and successful businessman endorsed by Trump and the National Republican Senatorial Committee; Jim Brown, a state senator; and Alex Christian, a former state legislator.

Sheehy is the clear frontrunner, facing off against two rivals who lack his military and financial credentials. The winner will challenge Democratic incumbent Jon Tester in November, whom Republicans consider vulnerable in a state Trump won by 16 points in 2020.

In New Mexico, a one-time swing state that now leans blue, the Republican Party hopes to end a 22-year losing streak in Senate elections. Businesswoman Nella Domenici, the daughter of former GOP Sen. Pete Domenici, is aiming to defeat Democratic incumbent Martin Heinrich, who is running for a third six-year term.

Domenici, who has a strong financial background, including serving as chief financial officer at Bridgewater Associates, enjoys a powerful political brand and name recognition in New Mexico.

In New Jersey, where Republicans have not won a Senate election in over half a century, a three-way race could pave the way for a GOP victory. Longtime Democratic incumbent Bob Menendez, facing federal corruption charges, is running as an independent, which could potentially siphon votes away from likely Democratic Senate nominee Rep. Andy Kim.

The Republican primary will test Trump's influence in contested GOP races. Mendham Borough Mayor Christine Serrano Glassner, endorsed by Trump at a large rally in Wildwood, New Jersey, faces real estate developer and hotelier Curtis Bashaw, who has raised the most funds in the race.

Navy veteran Albert Harshaw and former Tabernacle Deputy Mayor Justin Murphy are also vying for the Republican Senate nomination.

As the 2024 presidential race approaches its climax, voters are weighing in on Trump's chances of beating Biden and on the outcome of key Senate races that could determine the balance of power in Congress.