The progressive wing of the Democratic Party faces another pivotal test in Tuesday's primaries in Wisconsin and Minnesota, as the party's broader electoral strategy comes under scrutiny ahead of the midterm elections.
In Wisconsin, state Rep. Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist and chef, has emerged as the frontrunner in the Democratic gubernatorial primary, despite concerns from some party insiders that her far-left positions could hurt the party's chances in a key battleground state. Meanwhile, in Minnesota, progressive Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan is locked in a tight race against moderate Rep. Angie Craig for the Senate nomination, in what many see as a proxy war over the party's ideological direction.
The contests follow a string of progressive victories this cycle, including Abdul El-Sayed's Senate primary win in Michigan last week, which has intensified the debate over whether the party's leftward shift is an asset or a liability. The outcomes in the Midwest could signal whether progressives can expand their influence beyond deep-blue strongholds.
Wisconsin Governor's Race
Hong's surge has rattled some Wisconsin Democrats, who fear her past statements—including calls to "defund the police" and "cancel Thanksgiving"—could provide ammunition for Republicans in the general election. She has since distanced herself from those remarks, but the unease persists.
"Hong's belated shift has not stopped some Wisconsin Democrats from panicking over the fact that Hong looks likely to win on Tuesday, potentially threatening the party's ability to win in a battleground state," said Geoffrey Skelley, chief elections analyst at Decision Desk HQ (DDHQ).
Hong holds a commanding lead in DDHQ's polling, with 33 percent support compared to 12 percent for Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who re-entered the race after briefly dropping out and has the backing of outgoing Gov. Tony Evers. The primary field was reshaped by the late exits of former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes and Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez.
One Wisconsin Democratic strategist, speaking on condition of anonymity, downplayed the progressive label, saying the race "is not a test for progressives as much as a test for people who are fed up with the way things are." The strategist added that activists are questioning why the party has stuck with the same consultants and strategies after losing the state to Trump twice.
Minnesota Senate Contest
In Minnesota, Flanagan is hoping to extend the progressive winning streak, though she has not adopted the democratic socialist label. She has the backing of Sen. Bernie Sanders and outgoing Sen. Tina Smith, while Craig has emphasized her electability after winning four times in a competitive House district.
Craig has out-raised Flanagan significantly, but Flanagan holds a narrow lead in recent polling, 42 percent to 38 percent. The race has been complicated by Minnesota's sprawling fraud scandal, which Flanagan has sought to navigate while also attacking Craig's record on immigration in a state targeted by the Trump administration's crackdown.
"Flanagan may have the right pitch at this juncture of the Democratic Party's internal politics," Skelley noted, "as a progressive running in what's been the progressives' year."
National Implications
The primaries come as national figures like Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have notably declined to endorse Hong, with Sanders telling "Pod Save America" that he is focused on congressional races. Former Obama strategist David Axelrod has been critical of Hong, calling her "a font of zany liberal, faculty lounge exotica," a remark Hong dismissed as "a perfect example of why the consultant class keeps losing elections."
Republicans see potential openings in both states, with the Minnesota GOP race led by former sports broadcaster Michele Tafoya. The winners of Tuesday's primaries will face off in November in what could be pivotal contests for control of the Senate and governorships.
As the results come in, the political world will be watching closely to see whether the progressive momentum continues or suffers a setback in the heartland.
