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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[13 August 2018 23:37 · Lucy Anna Gray]

Christine Hallquist is a Democratic candidate for governor in Vermont. If she wins, she’ll be the first transgender gubernatorial candidate from a major political party. She’s run on a platform of addressing local and state issues, from rural economic development to climate change, and has described her gender as just one of many defining traits.

[13 August 2018 23:58 · Lucy Anna Gray]

Are you a voter in Connecticut? If so you can check where your local polling station is here.

[14 August 2018 00:20 · Lucy Anna Gray]

Another race to watch in Minnesota is Tina Smith, a Democrat running for Senator. She was appointed by the Democratic Governor Dayton to replace Al Franken after the latter resigned over sexual harassment allegations and she’s running against Richard Painter, a former Bush aide.

[14 August 2018 00:58 · Lucy Anna Gray]

“Ironstache” Randy Bryce, a populist ironworker and union organiser and Cathy Myers, a school board member and teacher — are in a bitter battle in Wisconsin to clinch the chance to win House Speaker Paul Ryan’s seat in Congress.

[14 August 2018 01:20 · Lucy Anna Gray]

Bernie Sanders will likely run as an independent in the Vermont 2018 midterm elections. He’s expected to reject the Democratic Party’s nomination if he wins it — despite fundraising and campaigning for Democratic candidates nationwide.

[14 August 2018 01:43 · Lucy Anna Gray]

A reminder for Minnesota voters...

[14 August 2018 02:29 · Lucy Anna Gray]

The Republicans battling in Wisconsin are an interesting group; Bryan Steil, a well-known local business executive with Paul Ryan’s endorsement, is the favourite to win the Republican nomination. Also on the ballot is self-described “pro-White Christian American candidate” and alt-right troll Paul Nehlen; Nick Polce, an Army Green Beret and first-time candidate; Jeremy Ryan, a pro-marijuana candidate whose campaign website features him taking bong rips; and Kevin Steen, a Christian business leader who has been endorsed by Pro-Life Wisconsin.

[14 August 2018 03:13 · Lucy Anna Gray]

James Ehlers is an environmental activist and Navy veteran running for the Democratic nomination for governor in Vermont. He’s proposed a “people first economy” which would focus on issues including the lack of a livable wage, affordable health care access and the environment.  ​

[14 August 2018 03:45 · Lucy Anna Gray]

All the key dates in the upcoming US elections

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

In Congress, Republicans in Connecticut will choose between business owner Matthew Corey and Dominic Rapini as their candidate to challenge Democratic Senator Chris Murphy.

In western Connecticut's 5th congressional district, where Democrat Representative Elizabeth Esty is not seeking re-election to the House, Mary Glassman and Wolcott teacher Jahana Hayes are vying for the Democratic nomination. Former Meriden Mayor Manny Santos, retired university professor Ruby O'Neill of Southbury and Watertown manufacturing consultant Rich Dupont are seeking the Republican nomination.