Political Outsiders Progress in State Races

Connecticut’s competitive gubernatorial race will have two business executives; in Minnesota Trump-backed candidate beats former Gov. Tim Pawlenty, a significant upset.

Two businessmen who ran as political outsiders will square off to be Connecticut’s governor this November, in what is expected to be one of the nation’s most competitive gubernatorial races.

Wisconsin, Minnesota and Vermont also staged primaries Tuesday. Democrats pushed forward a diverse slate of candidates—including nation’s first transgender gubernatorial nominee—while Republicans in Minnesota rejected a familiar GOP face in favor of a rising newcomer aligned with President Trump.

Democrat Ned Lamont and Republican Bob Stefanowski won their party’s primaries in Connecticut, according to the Associated Press. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report rates the race as a toss-up. Current Democratic Gov. Dannel Malloy, suffering from low approval ratings, declined to run for a third term, leaving Republicans optimistic that they can flip the seat.

Mr. Lamont, who made a name for himself when he beat then-Sen. Joe Lieberman in the 2006 Democratic primary for Senate, defeated Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim. He campaigned on his business experience, saying he would jumpstart the state’s economy, while also pushing for more education spending and raising the minimum wage.

Mr. Stefanowski, who has worked for UBS Investment Bank and General Electric Co. , edged out four Republican rivals to earn the party’s nomination. Republicans are betting that Connecticut voters displeased with eight years of Democratic control will give Mr. Stefanowski the nod.

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