State election contests

NBC News-  A week after a big win for progressive Democrats in Michigan’s Senate primary, the party’s ideological and generational divides are on full display again in another set of primaries, particularly in Wisconsin and Minnesota.

In Wisconsin, state Rep. Francesca Hong’s campaign for governor is a major swing-state opportunity for the democratic socialist — and potentially a huge general election test for her movement and the broader Democratic Party. Hong, who has established a substantial polling lead, faces Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, whose candidacy is intended to unite the establishment wing of the Democratic Party.

In Minnesota, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan faces moderate Rep. Angie Craig in the Democratic primary for the Senate. Flanagan has stressed her support for progressive policies while Craig has touted her 2018 win, which flipped the GOP-held House seat, as evidence that she can keep the seat in Democratic hands.

Meanwhile in South Carolina, Republicans will vote for a new Senate nominee after Sen. Lindsey Graham’s death. President Donald Trump threw his support behind appointed Sen. Darline Graham, the late senator’s sister, but it’s possible the crowded race will head to a runoff if no candidate wins a majority.

Primary races are also set for Vermont and Connecticut. And in Alabama, voters in a handful of House districts will pick their nominees now that a new congressional map is in effect, presenting a test of Trump’s endorsements.

GEORGIA 

Alternet-   More than 50 Black Georgia lawmakers have signed onto a statement condemning Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Collins for associates’ comments and posts that have been widely panned as racist and antisemitic. Collins is set to challenge Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff in November with the endorsement of President Donald Trump.

But since clinching the GOP nomination in a June runoff, Collins has come under fire for online posts by his son-in-law and former chief of staff last month after reports the staffer was in a group chat with white nationalists.

The statement issued by Black Georgia lawmakers this week criticized Collins for not apologizing or offering an explanation. “We condemn the Georgia congressman and urge our Republican state legislators to join us in demanding answers for his extensive ties to white nationalists,” the statement reads in part.

NORTH CAROLINA 

Congressional Insider -  Rep. Chuck Edwards dropped his reelection bid after the House Ethics Committee said it found enough evidence to recommend censure over harassment and hostile-workplace claims.

The House Ethics Committee recommended censure after reviewing Edwards's conduct toward two young female staffers. The committee said it found "persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct" and no evidence of sexual activity.

Edwards's campaign said the report "completely exonerate[s]" him under House sexual-misconduct rules.