WASHINGTON–In last week’s primaries, three of the five candidates whom credit unions were backing in five races CUNA said it was paying particular attention to lost their bids for election.
In last week’s primaries, which took place in Arizona, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Washington, Tennessee and Hawaii, the Credit Union Legislative Action Council and the respective state associations had put financial support behind candidates in 45 races for the House of Representatives and three for the Senate.
Trey Hawkins, VP of political affairs, with CUNA, said prior to the primaries credit unions were paying attention to five races specifically. Here is how those five races ended:
- In Missouri’s first district, credit unions were backing the incumbent, Rep. William Lacy Clay (D-MO), but Clay lost his race to challenger Cori Bush.
- In Kansas’ first district, credit unions backed Republican Tracey Mann, who is vying for an open congressional seat. Mann won 54% of the vote in the primary and will now face Democrat Kali Barnett.
- In Washington’s 10th congressional district, in which 19 candidates were running, CULAC and the Northwest Credit Union Association put their support behind Kristine Reeves (D), who was seeking the seat opened up by the exit of Rep. Denny Heck, who is running for lieutenant governor. But Reeves finished third behind Marilyn Strickland (the winner) and Beth Doglio. Reeves got CU support after being a strong supporter of credit unions in the Washington legislature.
- In Thursday’s primary in Tennessee, credit unions backed Republican Bill Hagerty, the former U.S. ambassador to Japan, to succeed Sen. Lamar Alexander, who is retiring. Hagerty won the primary with 51% of the vote.
- In Saturday’s primary in Hawaii, credit unions put their support behind Kaiali’i Kahele, a Democrat, who is running to succeed Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, who is not running for reelection. Kahele won by a wide margin and is largely expected to be a show-in in November's election.