Primaries in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Connecticut, and Vermont: Breaking Down the Impact

August 13, 2024

Introduction

Primaries held in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Connecticut, and Vermont on August 13, 2024, mark a crucial juncture in the electoral calendar, with potential ramifications for the control of the House and Senate. Additionally, access to abortion services is a pivotal issue on the ballot in several key states during the upcoming November elections.

House and Senate Control

The outcome of these primaries will provide insights into the competitiveness of various House and Senate races. Incumbents seeking re-election and challengers hoping to unseat them will garner attention from both parties, as control of both chambers hangs in the balance.

Abortion Access

In November, voters in several states will decide on measures related to abortion access. These initiatives could affect the legal landscape surrounding reproductive rights, making these elections highly consequential for individuals and organizations advocating for or against abortion rights.

Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate features incumbent Tammy Baldwin facing a challenge from Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes. The winner of this race will face Republican incumbent Ron Johnson in November.

In the gubernatorial race, incumbent Tony Evers (D) faces a primary challenger in state Treasurer Sarah Godlewski. The Republican primary is crowded, with former Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch, businessman Kevin Nicholson, and State Assembly Speaker Robin Vos among the leading candidates.

Minnesota

In Minnesota, Democratic incumbent Tina Smith is running for re-election to the U.S. Senate without a primary challenger. She will face Republican Scott Jensen, a physician, in the November election.

In the gubernatorial race, incumbent Tim Walz (D) is running for re-election and faces a primary challenge from state Rep. Hugh McBreen. The Republican primary includes former Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek, businesswoman Kendall Qualls, and state Sen. Michelle Benson.

Connecticut

In Connecticut, the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate features incumbent Richard Blumenthal facing a challenge from former state Sen. Matthew Corey. The winner of this race will face Republican Leora Levy, a former GOP official, in November.

In the gubernatorial race, incumbent Ned Lamont (D) faces a primary challenge from businessman Bob Stefanowski, who was the Republican nominee for governor in 2018. The Republican primary includes former state Sen. Danbury and businessman David Stemerman.

Vermont

In Vermont, Democratic incumbent Peter Welch is running for re-election to the U.S. Senate without a primary challenger. He will face Republican Gerald Malloy, a retired judge, in the November election.

In the gubernatorial race, incumbent Phil Scott (R) is running for re-election without a primary challenger. He will face Democrat Brenda Siegel, a physician and former state senator, in November.

Conclusion

The primaries in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Connecticut, and Vermont will offer insights into the competitiveness of key House and Senate races, as well as the public’s stance on abortion access. These elections will shape the political landscape heading into the November elections, with potentially significant implications for the direction of the country over the coming years.