Connecticut Democrats are heading to the polls to vote in two high-stakes primaries: the gubernatorial nomination and the 1st Congressional District nomination. The gubernatorial primary is between incumbent Gov. Ned Lamont and challenger Josh Elliott, with Lamont holding a significant lead in public polling.

Gubernatorial Primary

The primary challenge to an incumbent governor is proving expensive, with Lamont spending $9.2 million and Elliott spending $3.98 million. The candidates have been running aggressive ads, with Lamont focusing on his record and Elliott pushing for additional restrictions on ICE agents in the state.

Lamont has signed two revisions to the Trust Act, which limits the degree to which state and local authorities can assist ICE agents. Elliott has proposed additional restrictions that would bar ICE from community health centers, family planning clinics, and other outpatient medical settings.

Congressional Primary

In the 1st Congressional District, incumbent Rep. John B. Larson is facing a challenge from former Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin and two other candidates. The primary is seen as a generational challenge to Larson, who has been in office for 14 terms.

The Democratic nomination in the 1st Congressional District is seen as tantamount to election, as Republicans have not won the seat since 1956. The candidates have been focusing on issues such as immigration and healthcare, with all four candidates saying they favor abolishing ICE.

There are also down-ballot Democratic primaries in two state Senate and seven state House Districts, all currently represented by Democrats. The primaries feature challenges to incumbents and open seats, with several candidates vying for the nominations.

Original reporting: The Connecticut Mirror — read the source article.