Progressive Democrats Challenge Party Establishment in Wisconsin Governor and Minnesota Senate Primaries

Wisconsin and Minnesota voters head to the polls Tuesday in contests that pit left-wing Democrats against their party’s establishment wing, intensifying the struggle over the direction of the Democratic Party in two competitive battleground states. The momentum behind progressive candidates has grown following Abdul El-Sayed’s narrow victory over Rep. Haley Stevens in Michigan’s U.S. Senate primary a week prior, emboldening liberals while alarming Democratic leaders about the party’s viability in swing states during the general election.

Wisconsin’s Democratic primary for governor has devolved into chaos, with democratic socialist Francesca Hong challenging four-way field frontrunner David Crowley, the Milwaukee County Executive who has won the backing of outgoing Gov. Tony Evers. Evers formally endorsed Crowley on July 18, the same day Crowley rejoined the race after abandoning his candidacy a week earlier following Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez’s withdrawal due to campaign finance violations.

The primary has seen two major contenders exit the race, including former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes on July 29, though both he and Rodriguez remain on ballots due to early voting already underway. Evers has spent the final campaign stretch campaigning alongside Crowley across the state, signaling establishment confidence in the candidate.

Republican outside groups have spent approximately $3.6 million through the Right Direction Wisconsin PAC to promote Hong with advertisements highlighting her progressive positions, a strategy Democrats say is designed to elevate her in the primary by presenting her as the weaker general election opponent against Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany. Evers countered that message at a Madison rally Sunday, warning that a Tiffany victory would essentially amount to electing former President Donald Trump as governor.

Minnesota’s Democratic Senate primary features U.S. Rep. Angie Craig, positioned as a moderate, against Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, representing the progressive wing, in a contest shaped by recent federal immigration enforcement operations and the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti during immigration enforcement actions in Minneapolis. The race has drawn record spending with Craig receiving disproportionate financial backing despite both candidates actively campaigning across the Twin Cities region.

While Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has stayed neutral in the Senate primary, his wife Gwen Walz endorsed Craig and campaigned alongside her Sunday. Flanagan has campaigned with U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, framing the race as a referendum on corporate influence and special interests in politics across both major parties.

Democratic primary challenges extend beyond Wisconsin and Minnesota on Tuesday. In Connecticut, moderate Gov. Ned Lamont faces pressure from progressive state Rep. Josh Elliott in the gubernatorial primary, while 78-year-old U.S. Rep. John Larson seeks a 15th term in a crowded four-person House race where his age has emerged as a central issue. Vermont Democrats are selecting between former child advocacy organization CEO Aly Richards and economist Amanda Janoo to challenge Republican Gov. Phil Scott.