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Geographically, Arizona is beautiful. Politically, it’s a little bewildering. The state, once a Republican stronghold associated with Barry Goldwater and John McCain, now has a more muddled image. GOP presidential candidates still win Arizona more often than not, and Republicans have controlled the Legislature for decades, proof that the party remains competitive all around this increasingly purple state. But in recent years, the GOP has fumbled away statewide races for governor, secretary of state, and U.S. Senate by nominating extreme candidates. And the events of last night suggest that Republicans may be about to get bitten again.

Back up. What happened last night?

Arizona held primary elections for governor, secretary of state, and U.S. House. On the Republican side, ultraconservatives dominated the marquee races. The GOP nominee for governor is Rep. Andy Biggs, who once led the House’s far-right Freedom Caucus and voted to overturn the 2020 election results. For secretary of state, Republicans went with Alexander Kolodin, a lawyer who was sanctioned by the state bar for parroting Donald Trump’s false claims that 2020 was stolen. With Trump’s endorsement, Biggs and Kolodin beat Republican rivals who argued that the eventual primary winners were both liable to lose a general election.

How do they compare to past GOP candidates in Arizona?

The Democrats whom Biggs and Kolodin will face in November—Gov. Katie Hobbs and Secretary of State Adrian Fontes—are arguably both in office today because Republicans nominated similarly extreme candidates last time. The GOP also picked election deniers for high-profile races in 2022: former TV newscaster Kari Lake for governor, militia member Mark Finchem for secretary of state, and the robotically uncharismatic Blake Masters for Senate. All three lost, even as Republicans held the state Legislature and picked up U.S. House seats. (Lake lost again in 2024, this time for a U.S. Senate seat, even as Trump won Arizona that year.)

Sounds like Republicans are about to rerun that experiment.

Trump celebrated last night’s results as “a complete sweep” for MAGA. Given the president’s deep unpopularity, Biggs and Kolodin could easily lose in a rout.

OK, but couldn’t they still win?

Indeed. Trump, the OG election denier, won Arizona twice and came very close in 2020. And if November turns out to be a Democratic ripple rather than a wave, we could end up with election deniers overseeing the 2028 presidential race in a key swing state.

[Shudders] Did the extremist pattern continue in other races?

You bet. Mark Lamb, a Trump-endorsed former sheriff who’s been accused of sexting outside his marriage and making racist jokes over text, will almost certainly inherit Biggs’ solidly Republican House seat. And Jay Feely, a former Arizona Cardinals kicker, won the primary for an open swing seat with Trump’s backing.

Did anything noteworthy happen on the Democratic side?

This year’s primaries have been a mixed bag for the Democratic establishment, and last night’s were no exception. Rep. Greg Stanton easily fended off a left-wing challenger. But in the race to take on Feely, Amish Shah, an emergency room physician, is leading Marlene Galán-Woods, a former broadcast journalist whom Democrats’ House campaign arm had endorsed. Shah, Democrats’ 2024 nominee in the district, got fewer votes there than Kamala Harris. Republicans, it may turn out, aren’t the only ones willing to risk fumbling a winnable election in Arizona.

OK, you’re caught up on a few races that could have national implications. To get your head out of Grand Canyon State politics and kick back tonight, I recommend:

A primer for romance in the digital age: People talk a lot about how dating apps have made it harder to meet someone. But people rarely talk about how the internet has also changed what it’s like to be in a relationship. On ICYMI, host Kate Lindsay and Slate tech editor Tony Ho Tran break down the digital do’s and don’ts for couples, and argue that the thing that ruined dating might actually be making relationships better.

A satisfying puzzle break: What’s a four-letter word for “Those who often hear a siren song”? Treat your brain to some delightful wordplay in today’s crossword.

An old-school tip for finding new music: If Spotify’s algorithm makes you feel stuck in a musical rut, there’s an easy way out. Turn on the radio! It’s an underrated, retro way to discover songs you’ve never heard, songs by artists you love, and songs by artists you forgot you love.

Some summer advice: Going for a dip is a relaxing way to beat the heat, but occasionally, something goes wrong. Whether you have questions about personal grooming for bikini season or saving seats while you’re swimming, Slate’s advice columnists have suggestions for making sure nothing goes awry on your next trip to the pool or the beach.

We hope all this helps you have a great rest of your evening. See you tomorrow!