Primary elections are preliminary contests held by political parties to select their candidates for the general election. During these elections, party members vote for their preferred candidate, and the winners go on to represent the party in the general election. This process helps narrow down the field of candidates and allows voters to have a say in who will run for office. There are different types of primary elections, including open primaries, where any registered voter can participate, and closed primaries, which restrict voting to party members only. These elections play a crucial role in shaping the political landscape and determining which candidates will compete for positions such as governor or senator.