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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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With what is expected to be a close race, who are the Republicans running for Connecticut governor? The main contenders are Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton and two businessmen, Bob Stefanowski and David Stemerman.

Lucy Anna Gray14 August 2018 14:36

Ilhan Omar is a candidate to watch in Minnesota. She is running on the Democratic Socialists platform, the same as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in New York and Rashida Tlaib, who is set to be the first Muslim woman in US Congress. Ms Omar is a Somali-American and became Minnesota's first female Muslim State Representative last year.

Lucy Anna Gray14 August 2018 15:05

US Rep Tim Walz, who is vying to become the Democratic nominee for governor of Minnesota has cast his vote at the polls early Tuesday morning. 

Mr Walz is facing off leading candidates, Attorney General Lori Swanson and state Rep. Erin Murphy. Mr Walz has addressed his past stance on guns – one that earned him an "A" rating from the National Rifle Association.

Steve Anderson14 August 2018 15:20

Donald Trump has urged Wisconsin voters to vote for incumbent Scott Walker in the Republican primary for governor. 

Mr Trump, who once called Mr Walker "a mess" said the governor has his "complete [and] total endorsement" in the GOP gubernatorial primary. 

Mr Walker had dropped out of the Republican race for president in 2015. 

Steve Anderson14 August 2018 15:35

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, and incumbent in the GOP gubernatorial primary, has commented on Mr Trump's support for a Harley-Davidson boycott. 

While Mr Walker said "of course" he doesn't want a boycott of the Wisconsin-based manufacturer, he threw his support behind the US president's stance on tariffs. 

Mr Trump has announced his endorsement of Mr Walker on Twitter on the eve of the primary race. 

Steve Anderson14 August 2018 15:50

Tim Pawlenty, who is in the GOP gubernatorial primary race in Minnesota, has cast his vote for primary day.

He previously served as the state's governor and was also formerly a GOP presidential candidate in the 2012 race. 

Steve Anderson14 August 2018 16:05

Ethan Sonneborn, the 14-year-old progressive candidate seeking the party nomination to run for governor, has said he thinks the people of Vermont should take him seriously. 

"I think Vermonters should take me seriously because I have practical progressive ideas, and I happen to be 14, not the other way around,” he said. “I think that my message and my platform transcend age.”

Steve Anderson14 August 2018 16:20

Vermont is one of the US states that allows same-day registration. Registration is available during polling hours, and polls in Vermont will close 7pm local time.

Steve Anderson14 August 2018 16:35

Wisconsin's senate primary is of the costliest primaries in 2018, according to Politico. 

Republicans looking to oust Democrat Sen. Tammy Baldwin, first elected in 2012, have reportedly fostered more than $12m in outside spending from donors.

State Sen. Leah Vukmir is facing off businessman and veteran Kevin Nicholson. House Speaker Paul Ryan has backed Ms Vukmir in the primary. 

Steve Anderson14 August 2018 16:50

Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders has called for support on his re-election bid on Twitter, while sharing his endorsements for candidates also running on primary day. 

Mr Sanders has endorsed incumbent US Rep. Peter Welch in the US House primary, Dave Zuckerman in his re-election bid for lieutenant governor and Christopher Pearson for State Senate. 

Steve Anderson14 August 2018 17:05

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