Progressive candidates for governor in Wisconsin and U.S. Senate in Minnesota are making their final pushes ahead of Tuesday's primaries, intensifying pressure on the Democratic establishment. These contests follow a week after progressive Abdul El-Sayed's narrow victory in Michigan's U.S. Senate primary, a win that has energized the left but raised concerns among Democratic leaders about the party's direction in battleground states.
In Wisconsin, democratic socialist Francesca Hong is competing in a four-way Democratic primary for governor. Her main opponent is David Crowley, Milwaukee County Executive, who has received the endorsement of popular outgoing Gov. Tony Evers. Evers and Crowley have been campaigning together across the state in the final days before the election. The push to coalesce around Crowley comes after a chaotic primary in which two other candidates, including former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, dropped out.
Republicans have reportedly invested in Hong, with the Republican Governors Association spending nearly $3.6 million to contrast her with President Donald Trump and highlight her liberal policies. Democrats, however, argue these ads are intended to boost Hong's primary chances by presenting her as a weaker opponent for Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, who has Trump's endorsement. Tiffany, one of Congress's most conservative members, is endorsed by Trump, who has labeled Hong a communist. Trump won Wisconsin in 2016 and 2024, and Republicans have controlled the state legislature since 2011. Holding the governor's office is crucial for Wisconsin Democrats aiming to regain full control of state government.
Meanwhile, in Minnesota's Democratic U.S. Senate primary, voters are choosing between moderate U.S. Rep. Angie Craig and progressive Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan. The race has been influenced by recent events, including the killing of two individuals by federal immigration officers in Minneapolis, which has fueled backlash against Trump's immigration policies. Both candidates have been campaigning extensively in the Twin Cities metro area. Craig has spoken about the frustrations of Democratic primary voters, emphasizing the need to win elections to pass progressive policies. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has not endorsed a Senate candidate, but his wife, Gwen Walz, has endorsed Craig. Flanagan has campaigned with U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen, who echoed her message about the need to address the influence of special interests and large corporations in elections.
This Minnesota Senate primary is one of the most expensive in the state's history. The winner will be favored to replace retiring Democratic Sen. Tina Smith, as Minnesota has not elected a Republican to statewide office since 2006. On the Republican side for governor, Mike Lindell, founder of MyPillow and a promoter of election fraud falsehoods, is a leading candidate endorsed by Trump. U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar is in a six-person Democratic primary for her seat.
Elsewhere, two veteran Democratic incumbents in Connecticut face challenges from the left. Moderate Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont is seeking a third term against progressive state Rep. Josh Elliott. In another race, longtime U.S. Rep. John Larson, 78, is running for his 15th term, with his age and health becoming significant issues in a four-person primary. In Vermont, two Democrats, Aly Richards and Amanda Janoo, are vying for the chance to challenge Republican Gov. Phil Scott.