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As it happenedended

Connecticut primary: Jahana Hayes moves one step closer to becoming state's first black Democrat in Congress

The governor's race is considered wide open, with Republicans not having held the office since 2010

Kimberley Richards
New York
Wednesday 15 August 2018 05:06 BST
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US Primaries: What are the key races as four US sates vote in primary elections?

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The biggest race in Connecticut was supposed to be the governor's race - but an ex-teacher has stolen the headlines by moving one step closer to becoming the state's first black Democrat in Congress.

In western Connecticut's 5th congressional district, Ex-Teacher of Year Jahana Hayes has won Democrat nod for the Connecticut House seat left by Democrat Representative Elizabeth Esty is not seeking re-election to the House.

Businessman Ned Lamont has defeated Bridgeport major, and ex-convict, Joe Ganim. Mr Lamont's victory comes 12 years after he defeated US Senator Joe Lieberman in a Democratic showdown, only to lose the general election when Mr Lieberman ran as an independent. That race was seen as part of a national referendum on the Iraq War.

However, Republicans believe they have a good chance of winning the governor's seat back after losing control in 2010. Control of the narrowly divided General Assembly is also in play, especially the state Senate, now equally split between Democrats and Republicans.

For the GOP, it was David Stemerman, Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton, the party's endorsed candidate; Tim Herbst; Madison businessman Bob Stefanowski; and Westport tech entrepreneur and former US Navy officer Steve Obsitnik. Mr Stefanowski eventually won through.

Small-business owner Matthew Corey has won the Republican nomination for US Senate in Connecticut and will face an uphill battle against Democratic Senator Chris Murphy.

In Tuesday's primary the Manchester Republican defeated Dominic Rapini, a national accounts manager for Apple computers.

Mr Corey is a US Navy veteran and owner of a Hartford pub and a window-washing business. As of the end of July, Mr Corey had raised about $31,000 in campaign funds compared with nearly $13.5 million for Mr Murphy.

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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.

Lucy Anna Gray14 August 2018 04:41

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.

Lucy Anna Gray14 August 2018 05:20

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.

Lucy Anna Gray14 August 2018 05:41

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’. 

Lucy Anna Gray14 August 2018 06:29

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.

Lucy Anna Gray14 August 2018 07:31

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').

Lucy Anna Gray14 August 2018 08:31

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.

Lucy Anna Gray14 August 2018 09:31

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.

Lucy Anna Gray14 August 2018 10:09

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

Lucy Anna Gray14 August 2018 10:37

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...

Lucy Anna Gray14 August 2018 11:02

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