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
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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.
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The polls have now closed in Vermont. They are currently still open in Wisconsin, Connecticut and Minnesota.
Despite being a historically blue state, Republicans are trying to take both the governor's mansion and Connecticut's open Fifth Congressional District. These races could prove to be closer than previous years due to the unpopularity of current Democrat Governor Dannel Malloy.
Polls in Minnesota and Wisconsin will close at 9pm local time. Connecticut will be 8pm.
In Vermont, where polls have now closed, Republican Gov. Phil Scott is facing a challenge from Springfield businessman Keith Stern.
Four Democrats are seeking the party's nomination to run for governor. They include a former utility executive who, if elected, would become the nation's first transgender governor, and a 14-year-old boy who is taking advantage of a quirk in state law that does not require gubernatorial candidates to be registered voters.
Sen. Bernie Sanders is appearing on the Democratic ballot, even though he's already registered to run in November as an independent.
Democratic US Rep. Peter Welch is also facing a primary challenge.
Early figures show voter turnout in Connecticut's primaries, according to Associated Press.
Secretary of the State Denise Merrill says turnout was around 15 to 16 per cent with 153 of Connecticut's 169 towns reporting as of about 3 p.m. Tuesday. That figure doesn't include the major cities.
Republican Keith Ellison, running for Minnesota attorney general, recently denied allegations of domestic abuse made by his ex-girlfriend, Karen Monahan.
The accusation surfaced days before the election when the son of Ms Monahan posted online that he had seen angry text messages from Mr Ellison to his mother and a video that showed him dragging Monahan off a bed.
Senator Chris Murphy is advancing to the November election after sailing through the primaries without facing a challenger from his Democratic Party.
Bernie Sanders has won Vermont's Democratic Senate primary but is expected to turn down the nomination
Bernie Sanders defeated little-known candidate Folasade Adeluola. Mr Sanders is thought to be considering a presidential run in 2020 and is already on Vermont's November ballot as an independent.
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