For most candidates getting past the primary election is merely the first electoral hurdle that must be surmounted prior to joining the Legislature. But for candidates in districts that tilt heavily in favor of either the DFL or GOP, the primary race can effectively serve as the only meaningful contest.

The shape of all 201 Minnesota legislative contests this fall is now set after more than 40 primary races across the state were settled on Tuesday. In some instances, DFLers and Republicans won contests in partisan strongholds and have almost assuredly secured their place in the Legislature next session. In others, incumbent lawmakers were ousted by intra-party challengers.

Three sitting GOP legislators from the western Twin Cities suburbs face tough primary contests next week.

**UPDATED** Voices of Conservative Women is backing 18 female GOP candidates in state legislative contests, it announced on Monday. The list includes two candidates who are engaged in GOP primary contests.

The North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters is backing 58 DFLers and 23 Republicans in House and Senate races across the state. The union's first round of endorsements includes 14 challengers -- all DFLers.

A handful of August primary elections are heating up across the state thanks to the new redistricting map, an uptick in legislative retirements and widespread dissatisfaction with the job lawmakers are doing in St. Paul.

State Reps. Connie Doepke and Steve Smith feel the wrath of GOP grass roots, may head to primary.

GOP state Reps. Connie Doepke and Steve Smith lost endorsement contests Wednesday night in Senate District 33.

GOP activists will gather in Wayzata tonight to choose endorsed candidates for three legislative seats in Senate District 33.

In recent weeks, local party activists around Minnesota have commandeered many a school auditorium to endorse candidates for state House and Senate races.