HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Tuesday, Aug. 9 is primary day, and News 8 is your local election headquarters. There are several big races we have been following.
Both Democrats and Republicans have run-offs. Which Republican will take on U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal in the November election?
Three candidates are on the primary ballot:
- Endorsed party candidate Themis Klarides;
- Leora Levy, who was recently endorsed by former President Donald Trump; and
- Peter Lumaj
This race is expected to show which direction the state Republican Party is moving in— toward Trump or away.
News 8 was there when the candidates for U.S. Senate cast their ballots Tuesday morning. The party-endorsed candidate Klarides voted in her town of Madison at Walter C. Polson Middle School. The former house leader won 59% of the delegates at the GOP Party Convention.
Leora Levy cast her vote at the Shelton Intermediate School. Levy, who earned 23% of her party's votes at the state GOP Convention was endorsed by former President Donald Trump last week.
Lumaj cast his vote in Waterbury. In his second attempt to run for U.S. Senate, Lumaj voted at Chase Middle School. He received 20% of his party's vote at the GOP Convention.
There are several open seats for the Constitutional office. Three candidates are jocking for the nod in the Democratic race for state treasurer:
- Party endorsed candidate Erick Russell from New Haven;
- Candidate Karen Dubois Walton, who is also from New Haven; and
- Dita Bhargava from Greenwich
Republicans have a primary in the secretary of the state race: endorsed party candidate Dominic Rapini vs. candidate State Rep. Terrie Wood.
The Democrats also have a similar primary. Endorsed party candidate Maritza Bond is challenging state Rep. Stephanie Thomas.
One of the more interesting local primaries is in West Haven, where two Democrats are in a run-off for the 116th State House seat. Incumbent State Rep. Trenee McGee is seeking reelection. Challenger Joe Miller is making abortion rights an issue. McGee voted against the state's "Safe Harbor" bill for any woman who would travel to Connecticut for an abortion. Miller is supportive of expanding abortion rights.
Voter turnout is usually low during summer primaries. Election officials say absentee ballots could play a major role in who wins.
Polls in Connecticut are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday. Any elector standing in line at the polls at 8 p.m. will be allowed to cast a vote. Use the state’s voter lookup tool to find your assigned polling place.
Stay with News 8 throughout the primary day for the latest developments and election results.