After a primary campaign that revealed fissures in both major parties, Illinois voters winnowed the field of gubernatorial candidates on Tuesday and were finalizing congressional matchups in several competitive districts. Early voting began Feb. 8. The state is reliably Democratic in presidential elections, but Republicans control the governorship and seven of 18 congressional districts. Democrats see an opening to pick off several seats this year, but the primary season brought forth bitter disputes over money, race and what it means to be a Democrat. Republicans encountered their own reckoning with litmus tests and party values in the governor’s race.

Source: New York Times March 20, 2018 19:29 UTC