Recent Democratic primary contests in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Connecticut have signaled a clear voter preference for change, demonstrating a desire for new leadership that transcends traditional ideological divides within the party. While the party remains divided on its ultimate ideological direction, these outcomes suggest a widespread appetite for turnover.
In a notable U.S. Senate primary in Minnesota, Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, a progressive candidate, decisively defeated centrist Representative Angie Craig. Craig had garnered support from prominent House Democratic leadership, including Leader Hakeem Jeffries, former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and several senators from battleground states. Flanagan, however, was backed by influential progressive figures such as Senator Bernie Sanders and Senator Elizabeth Warren, and received endorsements from outgoing Senator Tina Smith. Flanagan’s campaign emphasized a populist economic message and highlighted Craig’s support from wealthy donors, as well as her vote for a Trump-backed immigration bill, which became a liability after a recent incident involving immigration agents.
Similarly, in Wisconsin, the race for governor saw a progressive candidate narrowly lose. Democratic socialist Francesca Hong, who had hoped to build on recent progressive victories, was defeated by Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. Crowley, a more moderate Democrat, had previously withdrawn from the race before re-entering and securing the endorsement of outgoing Governor Tony Evers. Hong’s campaign faced challenges as past comments resurfaced, including support for defunding the police and a remark about canceling Thanksgiving, which she described as a joke. Unlike some other successful progressive candidates, Hong did not secure the backing of national progressive leaders like Senator Sanders or Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. This outcome illustrated a tension within the party, where populist economic messages resonate, but certain progressive stances are viewed as potential liabilities in general elections. Voters like Sarah Atkins Hoggatt expressed support for Hong’s policy positions but voted for Crowley, believing he had a better chance of defeating the Republican candidate, Tom Tiffany.
Connecticut also saw a demand for generational change, as Luke Bronin, 47, defeated 14-term incumbent Representative John Larson, 78. Bronin’s campaign centered on the need for new leadership in Washington, arguing that Democrats required representatives with the energy and clarity of mission for the current moment. This sentiment for generational turnover has gained urgency since the 2024 elections, which prompted reflection on the longevity of some Democratic leaders.
The trend of incumbent Democrats losing primaries continued, with Larson becoming the seventh House incumbent to lose this year. The defeated incumbents and their challengers span various ideological positions, complicating a simple narrative of a leftward shift. Instead, the primaries suggest a broader desire for new faces and potentially new approaches.
Younger voters appear to be a significant force behind this push for change. In Wisconsin, Cody Chandler, a 35-year-old software engineer, supported Hong, citing her as an exciting candidate and voting for the person he most wanted to win rather than solely considering electability. Jesse Heer, a 32-year-old business owner, also backed Hong, prioritizing her focus on affordability. This demographic support was evident in Hong’s strong performance in Madison, home to the University of Wisconsin.
A similar pattern emerged in Michigan, where progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed won counties with large student populations, including Washtenaw County (University of Michigan) and Ingham County (Michigan State University), by significant margins. Jordan Snyder, a 20-year-old voter who supported El-Sayed, cited his progressive stances and perceived trustworthiness as reasons for her vote, reflecting a broader sentiment that some elected officials have not met expectations.
These primary results set the stage for a consequential general election in November, where candidates who have successfully tapped into the desire for change will need to demonstrate that their messages can resonate with a wider electorate.