Primary elections held Tuesday provided a snapshot of the Democratic Party's internal debates and tested the sway of former President Donald Trump's endorsements within the Republican Party.
In Wisconsin, centrist Democrat David Crowley narrowly secured the party's nomination for governor, defeating progressive challenger Francesca Hong. The Associated Press projected Crowley, the current Milwaukee County Executive, as the winner in a race seen as a critical test for progressives seeking to gain traction in a key battleground state. Crowley had briefly exited the race in early July due to campaign struggles but rejoined later that month with support from outgoing Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, who campaigned with Crowley in the final days. Some Democrats had expressed concerns that Hong's positions were too progressive for a general election in a purple state.
Hong, a Wisconsin assemblywoman, campaigned on a platform that included universal childcare and a pause on AI data center construction. She also faced scrutiny over past social media posts and statements regarding police funding. While she had indicated a shift away from the national platform of the Democratic Socialists of America, her previous stances drew criticism. Notably, prominent democratic socialist figures like Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez did not endorse Hong.
Crowley's victory highlights ongoing divisions within the Democratic Party regarding the balance between progressive and moderate candidates, a trend observed in other midterm primaries across the country.
If elected, Crowley would be the first Black governor of Wisconsin. He is set to face Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany, who has received an endorsement from former President Trump, in the November general election.
In South Carolina's special Republican primary for the U.S. Senate, the results were not conclusive, with a runoff election scheduled for August 25. The race features Sen. Darline Graham, Trump's endorsed candidate and the sister of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, against conservative Rep. Ralph Norman, an ally of Trump. Graham, who was appointed to fill her brother's term, is seeking to continue his legacy. Norman launched his bid despite Trump's endorsement of Graham. The outcome is seen as a mixed signal for Trump's endorsement power, compounded by the condensed election timeline and the number of candidates. Norman's past endorsement of Nikki Haley over Trump in the 2024 GOP primary could also be a factor in the runoff.
Meanwhile, in Minnesota's Republican gubernatorial primary, Mike Lindell, the former CEO of MyPillow and a prominent election denier, finished second despite an endorsement from former President Trump. Voters opted for state House Speaker Lisa Demuth, a more centrist Republican, in the historically Democratic-leaning state. Lindell's loss marks the third instance this cycle of a Trump-backed gubernatorial candidate failing to win their primary, following similar outcomes in Iowa and Georgia. No Republican has been elected governor in Minnesota in two decades.
