Wisconsin, Minnesota, Vermont, Connecticut hold midterm primary votes

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Dannel Malloy, 88th and current Governor of Connecticut, speaks at First Lady Michelle Obama’s Veterans Homelessness Summit on November 14, 2016 in Washington, DC. 

Republicans have a chance to make some races interesting this year in traditionally blue Connecticut. Unpopular Democratic Gov. Dannel Malloy declined to run for re-election, and public opinion of him could potentially be a drag on the members of his party trying to succeed him.

Businessman Ned Lamont — who toppled then-Sen. Joe Lieberman in a Democratic primary in 2006 but lost in the general election as Lieberman mounted an independent bid — and Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim are among the candidates on the Democratic side. Republican contenders include Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton and businessman Bob Stefanowski.

A Democratic representative’s decision not to run for re-election amid scandal has also made a House seat in Connecticut more competitive than usual. Democratic Rep. Elizabeth Esty will not seek another term after reports that she allowed an-ex chief of staff to continue serving after allegations that he harassed and threatened a female staffer.

Republicans plan to contest the seat, which leans Democratic. The state GOP has endorsed former Meriden Mayor Manny Santos in Tuesday’s primary. Former local Democratic official Mary Glassman and teacher Jahana Hayes face off for the Democratic nomination.

Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy also faces re-election this year, although the largely popular lawmaker is expected to have few problems staying in office in November.