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
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.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.
Please wait a moment for the live blog to load
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments