Democratic primaries in Wisconsin and Minnesota on Tuesday will determine the party’s direction ahead of the midterm elections, with progressives and moderates clashing over economic policy and party strategy.
Francesca Hong holds a double-digit lead in Wisconsin’s gubernatorial primary, while Peggy Flanagan faces Angie Craig in Minnesota’s Senate primary—both races reflecting broader ideological battles within the Democratic Party. The outcomes could signal whether the party shifts further left or charts a more centrist course after Republican gains in 2024.
Key Races and Polling Leads
In Wisconsin, state Rep. Francesca Hong is the polling favorite in the Democratic gubernatorial primary, with Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley as her main opponent. Hong, endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America’s Milwaukee chapter, has led Crowley by double digits in recent polls. Her campaign has drawn scrutiny over past statements, including calls to abolish the police and cancel Thanksgiving, though she has since distanced herself from both remarks.
Crowley, who initially dropped out of the race, reentered with the backing of retiring Gov. Tony Evers. The primary will test whether the party’s progressive wing can sustain its recent momentum after Abdul El-Sayed’s victory in Michigan’s Senate primary, where he defeated establishment-backed Rep. Haley Stevens.
In Minnesota, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan is running against Rep. Angie Craig in the Democratic Senate primary. Flanagan has emphasized her support for progressive policies, while Craig has highlighted her 2018 win that flipped a GOP-held House seat. The winner will face a competitive general election, with Sen. Amy Klobuchar favored to secure the Democratic nomination in the gubernatorial race.
Party Divisions and Strategic Implications
The primaries underscore a growing divide between progressive and moderate factions within the Democratic Party. Progressive candidates, including those aligned with Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, have gained traction by capitalizing on economic discontent. Meanwhile, establishment-backed moderates argue that a more centrist approach is necessary to win back voters lost in 2024.
In Wisconsin, Hong’s lead reflects the progressive movement’s ability to mobilize support, while Crowley’s campaign represents the party’s traditional base. The race has drawn national attention, with high-profile endorsements for both candidates—Reps. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) and Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) backing Hong, and Evers’ endorsement bolstering Crowley.
In Minnesota, the Senate primary pits Flanagan’s progressive platform against Craig’s argument that electability hinges on a candidate’s ability to hold competitive seats. The outcome could influence the party’s strategy in other swing states ahead of the general election.
Broader Context and Historical Precedents
The primaries follow progressive upsets in Michigan and other states, where populist candidates have defeated establishment-backed Democrats. These victories have raised questions about the party’s future direction, with some analysts suggesting a potential seismic shift in policy priorities.
The results in Wisconsin and Minnesota will be closely watched as indicators of whether the Democratic Party can reconcile its internal divisions or if the progressive wing will continue to reshape its platform. The outcomes may also provide insight into the party’s ability to mobilize voters in key battleground states ahead of the midterms.