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
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.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments