Mixed Results in Primary Elections

We’ve recently highlighted two primary elections where the abortion debate was front and center: the GOP primary for Senate in Pennsylvania, and the Democratic primary for Texas House District 28. The results are finally in. Dr. Mehmet Oz prevailed in Pennsylvania despite widespread criticism of his past pro-choice comments. In Texas, pro-life Rep. Henry Cuellar defeated pro-abortion challenger Jessica Cisneros, who is expected to seek a recount. Both elections came down to margins of fewer than 1,000 votes.

These mixed results don’t tell us much about what to expect in the midterms. There is still room for abortion opponents in the Democratic Party, however cramped that room may be. And whatever his personal beliefs, Oz has pledged to campaign on a pro-life platform against Democratic Lt. Gov. John Fetterman.

In other news, San Francisco voters cast their ballots yesterday on a measure to recall District Attorney Chesa Boudin. Of course, the marquee issue in that election was San Francisco’s continuing struggle with high crime rates, not abortion. But Boudin attempted to energize his base by prosecuting pro-life activists. Pro-Life San Francisco denounced the charges as false and politically motivated. Boudin was recalled, and we sincerely hope that his successor will respect the right to peacefully protest against the violence of abortion.