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
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Your support makes all the difference.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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Businessman Ned Lamont has won the Democratic nomination for Connecticut governor, defeating Bridgeport mayor and ex-convict Joe Ganim.
Mr Lamont's victory comes 12 years after he defeated U.S. Sen. 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.
Mr Lamont has said he'll "save Connecticut" from President Donald Trump's policies, whether it's the weakening of environmental standards or abortion access.
Mr Lamont says he'll bring a businessman's approach to solving the state's fiscal woes. He supports unions and a higher minimum wage.
Mr Ganim was elected Bridgeport mayor in 2015 despite serving seven years in prison for public corruption.
Democratic Gov. Dannel P. Malloy decided against running for a third term.
AP
For an overview of the four states holding elections today - and why they're so important - check out the video at the top of this article.
Small-business owner Matthew Corey has won the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate in Connecticut and will face an uphill battle against Democratic U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy.
In today's primary the Manchester Republican defeated Dominic Rapini, a national accounts manager for Apple computers.
Mr Corey is a U.S. Navy veteran and owner of a Hartford pub and a window-washing business. He earlier unsuccessfully challenged Democratic U.S. Rep. John Larson.
Mr Corey has called for more investment in small businesses in low-income communities. He's also supportive of apprenticeship programs, corporate tax reform and a tax credit for home school parents.
As of July 25, records show Mr Corey had raised about $31,000 in campaign funds compared with nearly $13.5 million for Mr Murphy.
There was no primary on the Democratic side.
AP
Phil Scott has the lead in the Republican primary for governor in Vermont, the incumbent currently holding 64 per cent of the vote over Keith Stern.
On the Democrat side, Christine Hallquist, who is seeking to become the country's first transgender governor, is leading over the three other candidates, with 45 per cent of the vote.
The Republican race to face Ned Lamont is much closer, with Bob Stefanowski currently leading with nearly 28 per cent of the vote. However, the vote is quite evenly split across four of the candidates with 25 per cent of precincts reporting.
Phil Scott, the incumbent Republican governor in Vermont has secured the GOP nomination. He will face Christine Hallquist who is projected to have secured on the Democrat side.
The race was called in her favour having secured 47.7 per cent of the vote with 47 per cent of precincts reporting. That is far ahead of her closest rival on 22.5 per cent.
Polls have closed in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
And there is an early winner in Wisconsin. Scott Walker is projected to win the Republican race for governor having secured 94 per cent of the vote with 7 per cent of precincts reporting.
In Minnesota, Amy Klobuchar has won the Democrat nomination in one of the Senate seats, and will face off against Jim Newberger. Both are projected to win their races handily.
Senator Tina Smith has won Minnesota's Democratic primary to finish the final two years of former Senator Al Franken's term.
Ms Smith took her spot in the Senate in January after Mr Franken resigned amid sexual misconduct allegations. She was the state's lieutenant governor before Democratic Governor Mark Dayton appointed her to the seat.
She defeated several Democrats to clinch the party's nomination, including Richard Painter, the former GOP ethics attorney whose profile rose as a strident critic of President Donald Trump.
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