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
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.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.
Please wait a moment for the live blog to load
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.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments