Midwest primaries set stage for progressive-establishment showdown

Voters in Wisconsin and Minnesota head to the polls Tuesday in primaries that pit progressive candidates against Democratic establishment favorites, a week after a left-wing victory in Michigan's Senate race energized the party's progressive wing.

In Wisconsin, Democratic socialist Francesca Hong is competing in a four-way gubernatorial primary. Her main rival, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, has the backing of outgoing Governor Tony Evers, who is not seeking a third term. Evers endorsed Crowley in mid-July, the same day Crowley re-entered the race after briefly suspending his campaign. Crowley had initially stepped aside to support Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez, who later dropped out amid a campaign finance scandal.

The primary has been chaotic, with two other candidates, including former Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes, exiting the race. Both Barnes and Rodriguez remain on the ballot, and absentee votes already cast for them cannot be changed.

Republicans have spent heavily to boost Hong, viewing her as an easier opponent for their likely nominee, U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany, in November. The Republican Governors Association has poured nearly $3.6 million into ads contrasting Hong with President Donald Trump and highlighting her liberal positions. Crowley and other Democrats argue these ads are designed to help Hong win the primary.

At a rally in Madison on Sunday, Evers projected confidence, saying Crowley gives Democrats the best chance to defeat Tiffany, whom he called "the worst governor in the history of Wisconsin" and compared to Trump. Crowley urged party unity after the primary, emphasizing the goal of keeping a "MAGA extremist" out of the governor's office.

Tiffany, a conservative congressman endorsed by Trump, has called Hong a communist, referencing a 2020 social media post in which she suggested canceling Thanksgiving. Hong has since reversed that stance, calling Thanksgiving her favorite holiday.

Wisconsin is a key battleground, with Trump winning the state in 2016 and 2024. Republicans have controlled both legislative chambers since 2011, and Democrats see the governor's race as crucial to gaining full state government control for the first time in 16 years.

In the race to replace Tiffany, Michael Alfonso, son-in-law of U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, is in a five-person Republican primary and has Trump's endorsement.

In Minnesota, voters are choosing between moderate U.S. Representative Angie Craig and progressive Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan in a Democratic Senate primary. The race has been shaped by the recent killing of two people by federal immigration officers in Minneapolis, an incident that fueled backlash against Trump's immigration policies.

Both candidates campaigned across the Twin Cities over the weekend. Craig, speaking in Eagan, called for restricting corporate campaign spending and barring lawmakers from trading stocks, arguing that winning elections is the only way to pass progressive policies. Flanagan, campaigning with Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen, criticized the influence of big corporations and special interests in elections, saying the problem extends to both parties.

The race is among the most expensive in Minnesota's history, with spending heavily favoring Craig. The winner will be the frontrunner to replace retiring Senator Tina Smith. Minnesota has not elected a Republican to statewide office since 2006.

Elsewhere, Mike Lindell, founder of MyPillow and a prominent election fraud conspiracy promoter, is a top Republican candidate for Minnesota governor. Senator Amy Klobuchar faces a six-person Democratic primary.

In Connecticut, two veteran Democratic incumbents face challenges from the left. Governor Ned Lamont is seeking a third term against progressive state Representative Josh Elliott. Congressman John Larson, 78, is running for a 15th term, with his age and health a major issue in a four-person race.

In Vermont, two Democrats are competing for the chance to challenge Republican Governor Phil Scott. Aly Richards, a former child advocacy CEO, has endorsements from former Democratic governors, while economist Amanda Janoo is also running.