More women candidates than ever will contest US governorships and House seats in November's mid-term elections.

After Tuesday's primaries across four states, there are now 11 female nominees for governor and at least 185 for the House of Representatives.

The results were hailed as a continuing success story by activists for women in politics.

After polling closed in the four states holding primaries on Tuesday - Kansas, Michigan, Missouri and Washington - it became clear women had broken records for gubernatorial and House nominations.