Minnesota primary: Ilhan Omar expected to become first Somali-American in Congress after win in Democrat race

Minnesota also involves a number of races for House seats that should be close in November's midterms

US Primaries: What are the key races as four US sates vote in primary elections?

Minnesota state Representative Ilhan Omar, the nation's first Somali-American legislator, has won a crowded Democratic primary to replace Representative Keith Ellison in Congress.

Ms Omar's victory Tuesday all but ensures she'll set another historic mark as the first Somali-American in Congress. Minnesota's 5th Congressional District includes Minneapolis and surrounding suburbs that tilt heavily Democratic.

Meanwhile, Senator Tina Smith will face off against Minnesota state Senator Karin Housely after both won their primaries in the race to fill Al Franken's seat in the Senate.

Mr Franken resigned earlier in the year amid allegations stemming from the #MeToo movement, leading to the all-women face-off in November.

On Monday, Mr Trump endorsed the Republican frontrunner for the House seat in the 8th district, Pete Stauber. Democrat Rick Nolan retired from the position, leaving a tough five-way primary for the party. Mr Stauber has leaned heavily on a pro-Trump message and will hope it helps him breakthrough in November. Mr Stauber will face former state Representative Joe Radinovich

Elsewhere, former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty's comeback bid fizzled in the Republican primary for his old job, as voters chose County Commissioner Jeff Johnson to face Democratic Representative Tim Walz in the governor's race.

Mr Walz had been considered a top contender in the three-way primary to replace outgoing Democratic Governor Mark Dayton, despite losing his party's nod in early June. And Mr Johnson was a longshot, given Mr Pawlenty's unparalleled name recognition and fundraising from two terms as governor and a brief presidential campaign in 2012.

The stakes are high for both parties. For Democrats, the governor's office could be their only lever of power if they don't take the state House later this year. Republicans see a chance at seizing complete control of state government in the traditionally blue state.

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[15 August 2018 02:44 · Steve Anderson]

Minnesota state Senator Karin Housley has easily won the state's Republican primary in a race to finish Mr Franken's Senate term.  

Ms Housley faced no major challengers when launching her campaign in the days after Mr Franken announced his resignation over allegations of sexual misconduct. 

She will face Senator Tina Smith

[15 August 2018 02:57 · Steve Anderson]

A former aide to House Speaker Paul Ryan has won the Wisconsin Republican primary race to replace him.  

Bryan Steil over five other competitors. Steil far outraised his opponents and secured the backing of prominent donors and Republicans, including Mr Ryan.  

He will face either Randy Bryce or Cathy Myers in November. 

[15 August 2018 03:06 · Steve Anderson]

Minnesota state Rep. Ilhan Omar, the nation's first Somali-American legislator, has won a crowded Democratic primary to replace Rep. Keith Ellison in Congress.  

Omar's victory Tuesday all but ensures she'll set another historic mark as the first Somali-American in Congress. Minnesota's 5th Congressional District includes Minneapolis and surrounding suburbs that tilt heavily Democratic.  

[15 August 2018 03:11 · Steve Anderson]

Wisconsin state schools chief Tony Evers has won the Democratic primary for governor and will face Republican Governor Scott Walker in November.  

Mr Evers emerged from a field of eight candidates in Tuesday's primary.  

He was the only candidate to have won election statewide before and now faces his biggest challenge against Walker. 

[15 August 2018 03:27 · Lucy Anna Gray]

Democrat Keith Ellison has won the Minnesota Attorney General primary, just days after abuse allegations surface.

Mr Ellison recently denied allegations of domestic abuse made by his ex-girlfriend, Karen Monahan. 

The accusation surfaced days before the election when the son of Ms Monahan posted online that he had seen angry text messages from Mr Ellison to his mother and a video that showed him dragging Ms Monahan off a bed. 

[15 August 2018 03:36 · Steve Anderson]

Former Meriden Mayor Manny Santos has won the Republican nomination for the U.S. House seat being vacated by Connecticut Rep. Elizabeth Esty of Connecticut, who came under fire for her handling of a sexual harassment case in her office

[15 August 2018 03:56 · Steve Anderson]

A Wisconsin state senator and close ally to Governor Scott Walker has defeated a former Marine who cast himself as a political outsider in the state's Republican primary for US Senate.  

Leah Vukmir beat Kevin Nicholson in Tuesday's primary and now advances to face Democratic Senator Tammy Baldwin.  

Ms Vukmir won the endorsement of the Wisconsin Republican Party and the backing of most prominent GOP officeholders, including House Speaker Paul Ryan. She ran as the proven conservative in the race, pointing to her long voting record in support of Republican priorities.  

Both she and Mr Nicholson ran as strong supporters of President Donald Trump.  

Mr Nicholson failed to overcome his past as a Democrat. He also lost despite millions more being spent on his behalf by outside groups. 

[15 August 2018 04:06 · Steve Anderson]

Madison businessman and political newcomer Bob Stefanowski has won the Republican primary for Connecticut governor, defeating four fellow GOP contenders.  

The 56-year-old former General Electric executive promoted his ability to turn around struggling companies and dubbed himself "Bob the Rebuilder" in his campaign advertisements.  

Mr Stefanowski was the second-biggest spender in the campaign primary, trailing only former Greenwich hedge fund manager David Stemerman  

Mr Stemerman and former Trumbull First Selectman Tim Herbst questioned Mr Stefanowski's Republican pedigree, noting he became a Democrat only to switch back to the GOP shortly before announcing his candidacy for governor.  

Mr Stefanowski was the first to launch a major TV ad campaign in the race. He has called for eliminating the personal income tax.  

Democratic Governor Dannel Malloy is not seeking a third term. 

[15 August 2018 04:13 · Steve Anderson]

Democratic Representative Tim Walz has won a three-way primary for Minnesota governor.  

Mr Walz leveraged his rural Minnesota connections and a geographically balanced ticket to defeat state Rep. Erin Murphy and Attorney General Lori Swanson in Tuesday's primary. Mr Walz is leaving Congress after six terms representing southwestern Minnesota. 

[15 August 2018 04:30 · Steve Anderson]

Former state Representative Joe Radinovich has won a crowded Democratic primary to replace retiring US Representative Rick Nolan in a northeastern Minnesota swing district.  

Mr Radinovich defeated Representative Jason Metsa, longtime former news anchor Michelle Lee and others on Tuesday. Mr Radinovich served one term in the state House and managed Nolan's 2016 re-election campaign.  

It sets up another hard-fought general election in what has become one of the most expensive and competitive congressional districts in the country. Mr Radinovich will face Pete Stauber, a St. Louis County commissioner and retired Duluth police officer. Mr Stauber has been endorsed by President Donald Trump.