Both candidates, state Reps. John Pfeiffer and Kevin West, advanced from the June 16 Republican primary after finishing first and second in a four-way field, setting up an August 25 runoff. The race remains tight because the contenders share similar legislative records and priorities on workforce training, workplace safety modernization, and reducing regulatory burdens, with limited differentiation in a low-profile statewide contest. Recent developments include Keith Swinton’s endorsement of West and standard campaign positioning ahead of the final vote, leaving traders to weigh incumbency-style name recognition, regional support, and turnout patterns in a contest where either could prevail depending on mobilization in the remaining days.