Primaries in 6 States Set November Ballots for Congress

Voters in six states went to the polls Tuesday to choose nominees for House and Senate races that could determine whether the balance of power shifts in the next Congress, along with several contests for governor.

In South Carolina, polls have closed in a special Republican primary to fill the Senate ticket vacancy created by the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham in July, which set off a rapid-fire campaign season. Graham's sister, Darline Graham, who was appointed to serve the remainder of his term, will learn whether she gets the chance to run for a full term. She faces several well-known opponents.

In Alabama, some voters are deciding House races that were delayed. Primaries were held in May, but Republican Gov. Kay Ivey pushed back the votes in the 1st, 2nd, 6th and 7th districts after a Supreme Court decision that limited portions of the Voting Rights Act and led several Southern states to take up mid-decade redistricting.

In Connecticut, alongside House and local races, Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont, elected in 2018, faces a primary challenge from Josh Elliott. The winner will face Republican Ryan Fazio in November.

Minnesota is holding primaries in both parties to replace retiring Democratic Sen. Tina Smith and retiring Gov. Tim Walz, as well as several House races that could help decide control of Congress.

Vermont is voting in several races, including the Democratic primary for governor. The winner will face Republican Gov. Phil Scott in November.

In Wisconsin, Republican and Democratic candidates are competing for the first open governor's seat since 2010, following Democratic Gov. Tony Evers' announcement last year that he would not seek reelection. The storyline of democratic socialists challenging the Democratic establishment is playing out in that race. Wisconsin also has primaries in both parties that could affect which party controls the House next year.