Voters in 6 states are choosing candidates for November

House, Senate and governor races are on the ballot in primaries Tuesday.

ByHannah Demissie, Gina Montagna, Diana Paulsen, Oren Oppenheim, and Gaby Vinick
August 11, 2026, 7:43 PM

Voters in six states are deciding which candidates will face off in November in House and Senate races that could decide whether the balance of power will shift in the next Congress.

In Wisconsin, the storyline about the democratic socialists challenging the Democratic establishment continues to play out in the governor's race.

And in South Carolina, the late Sen. Lindsey Graham's sister Darline Graham will find out whether she'll get to run for a full term after being appointed to fill out the remainder of her brother's term.

Here's a look at Tuesday's primaries:

Rep. Shomari Figures speaks at the Washington Brief series, July 29, 2026, in Montgomery, Ala.
Vasha Hunt/AP Photo

Alabama

In Alabama, some voters are deciding several House races following the Supreme Court decision that limited portions of the Voting Rights Act and led several states in the South to take part in mid-decade redistricting.

Primaries were held in May, but Republican Gov. Kay Ivey pushed back those in the 1st, 2nd, 6th and 7th districts that were impacted by redistricting after the Supreme Court decision.

PHOTO: Governor Ned Lamont speaks in Hartford on July 20, 2026, to reassure voters about the safety and security of Connecticut elections despite recent national claims calling election security into doubt.
Governor Ned Lamont and other state officials gathered at the Old State House in Hartford on July 20, 2026, to reassure voters about the safety and security of Connecticut elections despite recent national claims calling election security into doubt.
Tyler Russell/Connecticut Public Broadcasting via Getty Images

Connecticut

In addition to House and local races in Connecticut, Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont, who was elected in 2018, faces a primary challenge from Josh Elliott. The winner will face Republican Ryan Fazio in November. 

Live Connecticut primary results

Voters fill out their ballots at a polling place in the Tamarack Nature Center on Aug. 11, 2026, in White Bear Township, Minnesota.
Stephen Maturen/Getty Images

Minnesota

Minnesota is voting in primaries in both parties to replace retiring Democratic Sen. Tina Smith and retiring Gov. Tim Walz as well as several House races that could help determine the balance of power in Congress.

Live Minnesota primary results

Sen. Darline Graham Nordone participates in a a ceremonial swearing-in at the U.S. Capitol on July 14, 2026 in Washington.
Finn Gomez/Getty Images

South Carolina

Polls have closed in South Carolina's special Republican primary to decide who will take the place of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham after his death in July created a vacancy on the party’s Senate ticket and sparked a rapid-fire campaign season. Graham's sister Darline Graham, who was appointed to fill the remainder of his term, faces several well-known opponents.

Live South Carolina special Senate primary results

Vermont Governor Phil Scott speaks during an event that featured Northeast governors and Canadian premiers discussing trade and tariffs at the State House Library on June 16, 2025, in Boston.
Matthew J. Lee/The Boston Globe via Getty Images, FILE

Vermont

Vermont is voting on Tuesday in several races, including the Democratic primary for governor. The winner will face incumbent Republican Gov. Phil Scott on the ballot in November.

Live Vermont primary results

With her son George by her side, Democratic Wisconsin Gubernatorial candidate Francesca Hong votes in the primary election on Aug. 11, 2026, in Madison, Wisconsin.
Scott Olson/Getty Images

Wisconsin

Republican and Democratic candidates in Wisconsin are vying to win the first open gubernatorial seat since 2010, replacing Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, who announced last year that he wouldn't run for reelection.

There are also primaries in both parties that could have an impact on which controls the House next year.

Live Wisconsin primary results

Related Topics

Sponsored Content by Taboola

ABC News Live

ABC News Live

24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events