Voters across Wisconsin and Minnesota head to the polls on Tuesday, in high-stakes Democratic primaries that test the electoral strength of left-wing insurgents against traditional establishment candidates in key Midwestern swing states and Democratic strongholds.
The latest battle over the direction of the Democratic Party shifts to the upper Midwest on Tuesday as nominating contests for governor in Wisconsin and a U.S. Senate seat in Minnesota pit progressive candidates against more traditional alternatives. The primaries arrive just a week after progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed won the Democratic nomination for a competitive Senate race in neighboring Michigan, fueling a broader debate over whether left-leaning candidates can capture purple terrain in general elections.
Francesca Hong and the Left-Wing Surge in Wisconsin’s Gubernatorial Race
In Wisconsin, state Rep. Francesca Hong, a self-described democratic socialist, enters Tuesday’s primary as the front-runner for the party’s nomination for governor. Winning the governor’s mansion is central to Democrats’ hopes for 2028 and beyond, as the state remains a critical battleground won by President Donald Trump in 2024.
Hong, a 37-year-old state lawmaker, and member of the democratic socialist caucus in the Wisconsin Legislature, has maintained a steady lead in public polls despite a chaotic primary field. Her platform includes calls for Medicare for All
and universal childcare, alongside a moratorium on data centers, which has emerged as a key issue for midterm voters.
During the campaign’s only debate, Hong distanced herself from those earlier positions, stating, The governor cannot defund police and I’m not here to govern by slogan.
David Crowley, Tony Evers, and the Establishment Counterweight
To counter Hong’s momentum, mainstream Democrats coalesced around Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who is running with the endorsement of current Gov. Tony Evers. Crowley’s campaign experienced unusual turbulence when he dropped out of the race, only to reenter following the exit of Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez amid a campaign finance scandal.
Crowley’s revived campaign raised hundreds of thousands of dollars, outpacing Hong’s fundraising haul in the final weeks. Rep. Tom Tiffany in November. Tiffany faces only nominal opposition for the Republican nomination and enters the general election backed by Trump and millions of dollars in conservative megadonor funding.
The Democratic primary field also benefited from the presence of former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, who dropped out of the race late last month, leaving multiple traditional factions vying for votes alongside Hong, Crowley, and other candidates.
The Stakes for State Control and the 2028 Electoral Map
The outcome in Wisconsin carries profound national implications.
Capturing the governor’s mansion would give them an ability to redraw Wisconsin’s map to counter the edge built by Republicans during mid-decade redistricting—a crucial step for Democrats seeking a House majority in 2028.
Angie Craig and Peggy Flanagan Face Off for an Open Senate Seat in Minnesota
While Democrats have reliably carried Minnesota during presidential cycles, margins have shrunk in recent years.
Craig represents a competitive swing district and has maintained more moderate policy positions throughout her congressional tenure. Flanagan has criticized Craig for accepting backing from establishment Democrats and being overly accommodating to Trump, particularly on immigration policy. Republicans are closely watching the primary battle, believing the intraparty division presents an opening to capture the open Senate seat in November.
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