Six States Hold Primaries for Governor and Senate Seats

Voters in six states—Wisconsin, Alabama, Connecticut, Minnesota, Vermont, and South Carolina—head to the polls on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, for primary elections to narrow the field for the November 3 general elections.

In Wisconsin, the race for governor is a central focus following the retirement of incumbent Tony Evers. The Democratic primary features frontrunner and democratic socialist Francesca Hong competing against Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who received an endorsement from Evers. On the Republican side, U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany, endorsed by Donald Trump, faces Frank Kostka. Wisconsin voters are also deciding contested Democratic races for the 6th and 8th Congressional Districts and an advisory referendum in Wrightstown regarding a large-scale data center development.

Other significant contests include a special Senate primary in South Carolina for the seat of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, where Darline Graham is running with Donald Trump's endorsement. In Minnesota, Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan and Representative Angie Craig are competing for a U.S. Senate seat. Additional primaries are taking place in Connecticut, where Governor Ned Lamont and Representative John Larson face challenges, and in Alabama, where a special primary is being held due to redistricting changes.