We’ve got a number of special elections on tap tonight, starting with a trio of GOP-held open state legislative seats. DKE correspondent Johnny Longtorso has the details:
Connecticut HD-120: This is an open Republican seat in Stratford, vacated by Laura Hoydick after she was elected mayor of Stratford. The Democratic candidate is Philip Young, and the Republican candidate is Bill Cabral; both are former members of the Stratford Town Council. This seat went 49-47 for Hillary Clinton in 2016 and 53-46 for Barack Obama in 2012.
Kentucky HD-89: This is an open Republican seat located in the southeast of the state. It was vacated by Marie Rader due to health concerns. The Democratic nominee here is Kelly Smith, a librarian, while the Republican nominee is Robert Goforth, a pharmacist. This seat voted 79-17 for Donald Trump in 2016 and 77-21 for Mitt Romney in 2012.
New Hampshire House, Belknap-3: This is an open Republican seat in Laconia, north of Concord. It was left vacant by the death of Donald Flanders. The Democratic nominee is Philip Spagnuolo, a substance abuse recovery coach, while the Republican nominee is Les Cartier, a retired employee in the state Fire Marshal's office. This seat backed Trump by a 54-41 margin in 2016 but voted for Obama by a 50-49 margin in 2012.
Additionally, votes will be tallied in Arizona’s 8th congressional district for a special primary election to decide the Democratic and Republican nominees to succeed disgraced GOP ex-Rep. Trent Franks. This district voted for Trump by a 58-37 margin in 2016. Here’s a brief rundown of the notable Republican candidates:
- Former state Sen. Steve Montenegro: Encouraged staffer who sent him topless photo to continue communication via Snapchat
- Former state Sen. Debbie Lesko: Accused of illegally coordinating with super PAC
- Former state corporation commissioner Bob Stump: Accused of impersonating deceased Rep. Bob Stump
- Former state Rep. Phil Lovas: Accuser of Lesko and previously acted as Trump’s Arizona state campaign chair
- Former Graham County sheriff Richard Mack: Compared the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting survivors to Hitler
Meanwhile, two Democrats will be on the primary ballot:
- Hiral Tipirneni: The Democratic fundraising leader and emergency room physician
- Brianna Westbrook: LGBT rights activist
Polls have now closed in Kentucky, and will close in New Hampshire at 7pm ET, in Connecticut at 8pm ET, and in Arizona at 9pm ET. Note that some delays can be expected in Arizona’s vote-counting process as the result of new ballot safeguard measures. Feel free to use this as an open thread to discuss the returns as they come in.
RESULTS: Arizona SoS