Biden marches toward formally securing the Democratic nomination, King falls in Iowa

Joe Biden scored a string of wins Tuesday as he continued his march toward clinching the Democratic presidential nomination as the District of Columbia and multiple states held primary elections amid a coronavirus pandemic and protests.

In Iowa, longtime Republican Rep. Steve King lost his primary bid to earn a 10th term in Congress after being ostracized by his own party for racially insensitive remarks. State Sen. Randy Feenstra, who had received support from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and other establishment groups, was declared the winner and becomes the favorite in the fall election in the heavily red district. 

King was stripped of his committee assignments following the controversial remarks he made last year.

Biden, meanwhile, hoped to end the Tuesday contests with enough delegates to sew in up the Democratic nomination. The former Vice President and President Donald Trump both won their primary contests in Indiana, Rhode Island, Maryland, New Mexico, Montana and Pennsylvania. Biden also secured victory in South Dakota. 

Idaho and Iowa previously voted for presidential candidates earlier this year and today's primaries pertain to other positions.

The Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Montana, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota and Washington, D.C. primaries come amid civil unrest in cities around the country following the May 25 death of George Floyd and as much of the country crawls back from coronavirus-related lockdowns.

People have participated in looting and arson, leaving a trail of property damage, and there have been clashes with police. Many states have activated the National Guard and President Trump on Monday said that if local leaders fail to quell the chaos he will use the nation's military. 

While the nation's capital is under a curfew Tuesday night beginning at 7 p.m., voters are exempt and can still vote after the start of the 7 p.m. curfew.

Absentee voting is playing a pivotal role during this election as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tuesday's primary contests included some of the most closely watched prior to the upcoming September 1 primary where Democratic Massachusetts Sen. Ed Markey will compete against Rep. Joe Kennedy.