Primaries Reshape Congressional Dynamics Amidst Redistricting and Closed Systems
In recent years, primary elections have increasingly become the decisive factor in determining congressional representation, overshadowing general elections. This shift is largely due to redistricting efforts and the implementation of closed primaries, where only registered party members can vote. According to NPR's political correspondent Ashley Lopez, these changes have resulted in fewer competitive races, with over 90% of congressional seats favoring one party. This trend is exacerbated by the exclusion of independent and unaffiliated voters, who represent a growing segment of the electorate. The impact of these changes is evident in states like Louisiana, which recently transitioned to a closed primary system, affecting the political careers of figures such as Bill Cassidy, a Republican who voted to convict President Trump during his impeachment trial. 
