Week Ahead in Washington: May 31-June 5

WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - Voters in six states will head to the polls Tuesday for a major primary day featuring multiple local and congressional races across the country.

The contests include the race to replace California Governor Gavin Newsom and battles in Iowa for governor and the U.S. Senate.

In Iowa, primary voters will pick the replacements for retiring Senator Joni Ernst and Governor Kim Reynolds, both Republicans.

President Donald Trump won Iowa by more than 13 percentage points in 2024, but Democrats see a potential opening as farmers are hit hard by increasing costs.

Montana, New Mexico, New Jersey, and South Dakota will also hold their primaries.

Meanwhile, several cabinet secretaries will testify on Capitol Hill this week.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin will appear before the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is set to testify in front of the Senate Finance and House Ways and Means Committees.

And, Congress returns following its Memorial Day recess with the focus back on reconciliation.

GOP lawmakers will continue working on a party-line bill to fully fund the Department of Homeland Security, including ICE and Border Patrol, using the process to avoid a potential Democrat-led Senate filibuster.