Good night!
There are still a handful of races left to be called. But there’s not much doubt about what’s going to happen, so we’re signing off. Here’s a wrap-up of everything that happened tonight:
- In Vermont, Democrat Christine Hallquist became the first transgender person in U.S. history to be nominated for governor by a major party, but she faces a very uphill climb in November against GOP Gov. Phil Scott, who survived a primary scare.
- In Connecticut, Democrat Ned Lamont will probably face Republican Bob Stefanowski (though his primary has yet to be called) in a battle of the multimillionaires for governor. Former National Teacher of the Year Jahana Hayes won the Democratic nomination in the 5th Congressional District and is quite likely to become Connecticut’s first black congresswoman.
- In Wisconsin, state Superintendent Tony Evers brings his experience being elected statewide three times into a November matchup with Republican Gov. Scott Walker; polls indicate that Walker (whom Democrats failed to topple in 2010, 2012 and 2014) could finally be vulnerable. Leah Vukmir will face U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin in a race that has trended toward Democrats lately, and in Paul Ryan’s 1st District, Randy “Iron Stache” Bryce (and his $1.7 million war chest) will take on Republican Bryan Steil, Ryan’s chosen heir.
- Neither primary for Minnesota governor has been called, but it’s looking strongly like U.S. Rep. Tim Walz will represent Democrats and Jeff Johnson will represent Republicans. That’s a big blow to the GOP, which was relying on moderate former Gov. Tim Pawlenty (who left a lobbying gig in D.C. to run for his old job) to put this seat in play. With Johnson as the Republican nominee, Walz starts out this race the favorite.