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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[14 August 2018 04:41 · Lucy Anna Gray]

Wisconsin midterm 2018 will be a big test for Republicans and whether Gov. Scott Walker is unbeatable

The winner of the Democratic primary is expected to face Scott Walker as he campaigns for third timer – first elected in 2010.

[14 August 2018 05:20 · Lucy Anna Gray]

A black firefighter and union president Mahlon Mitchell is vying for the Democratic party nomination in Wisconsin on Tuesday – and with the backing of Sen. Kamala Harris.

It is significant that Mitchell is a union president – Scott Walker notably stripped public employee unions of their collective bargaining rights.

[14 August 2018 05:41 · Lucy Anna Gray]

Scott Walker campaigned in the Wisconsin Republican primary in 2016 but announced he was dropping out in September of 2015. He notably called for Republicans to join forces against Donald Trump.

[14 August 2018 06:29 · Lucy Anna Gray]

US rep Keith Ellison is running for Attorney General in Minnesota. He’s also the Democratic National Committee vice chair, the first Muslim ever elected to Congress, and a progressive ‘star’. 

[14 August 2018 07:31 · Lucy Anna Gray]

With some of the most extensive voting rights in the country, Vermont is one of just two states that allow convicted felons to cast votes behind bars. The state also has begun implementing automatic voter registration when residents apply for ID cards at the DMV.

[14 August 2018 08:31 · Lucy Anna Gray]

Wisconsin’s Seventh Congressional District is an opening for Democrats in the north. The seat is currently occupied by Sean Duffy (of reality show 'fame').

[14 August 2018 09:31 · Lucy Anna Gray]

While a “pink wave” has seen record amounts of women running for office across the country, Vermont has held steady with just 32 per cent of women running for all public offices in 2018. Still, Vermont’s General Assembly is ranked first in the country in terms of female representation.

[14 August 2018 10:09 · Lucy Anna Gray]

Democrat Tammy Baldwin is running in her first re-election bid for Senate in Wisconsin. Republicans are hoping to oust the Democratic seat. Early polls show her leading Nicholson and Vukmir by more than 10 points.

[14 August 2018 10:37 · Lucy Anna Gray]

In other US political news, Donald Trump has shared his support for a boycott of Harley-Davidson. 

[14 August 2018 11:02 · Lucy Anna Gray]

As America’s most favourite politician according to polling, Bernie Sanders has used his sway to endorse a host of progressive local candidates across the country — including in his home state of Vermont...