The Democratic Party's ideological struggle for its future is playing out in the Midwest this week, with high-stakes primaries in Wisconsin and Minnesota following a narrow progressive victory in Michigan's Senate race. The outcomes of Tuesday's contests could determine control of the U.S. Senate and governorships in crucial swing states.
In Wisconsin, state Rep. Francesca Hong, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), is the frontrunner for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination. Her platform includes proposals such as guaranteed paid leave, raising the state minimum wage to $20 per hour, and a one-year moratorium on building AI data centers. Hong has faced past scrutiny for social media posts advocating for defunding the police and suggesting the cancellation of Thanksgiving, though she has since stated she no longer supports cutting police budgets or abolishing police departments and that Thanksgiving is her favorite holiday.
The winner of the Wisconsin Democratic primary is expected to face Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany, who is backed by former President Donald Trump. Tiffany, a member of the House Freedom Caucus, has stated that "Wisconsin will be the place that stops socialism."
Moderate Democrats in Wisconsin have expressed concerns that a Hong nomination could harm down-ballot races and boost Tiffany's chances of flipping the governor's mansion. Pro-GOP super PACs have reportedly spent millions of dollars to support Hong in the primary, viewing her as a weaker general election candidate.
Meanwhile, in Minnesota, the battle for the Democratic Senate nomination is underway between progressive Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and moderate Rep. Angie Craig. The seat is open as incumbent Democratic Sen. Tina Smith is retiring. If Flanagan wins, Republicans may see an opportunity to flip the seat in the traditionally blue-leaning state.
On the Republican side in Minnesota, Michele Tafoya, a former TV sports reporter, is leading the race for the Senate nomination. In the gubernatorial contest, Minnesota's Democratic Gov. Tim Walz is not seeking a third term. Sen. Amy Klobuchar is the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination, while My Pillow founder Mike Lindell and House Speaker Lisa Demuth are leading contenders for the GOP nomination.
Other primary contests include South Carolina's special Republican Senate primary to succeed the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, where Trump has endorsed Graham's sister, Darlene Graham. The race also features Reps. Ralph Norman and Russell Fry, and former Gov. Mark Sanford. Trump's endorsement has seen mixed results in the state this cycle.
In Connecticut, Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont faces a primary challenge from state Rep. Josh Elliott. Vermont's Republican Gov. Phil Scott is unopposed in the GOP primary as he seeks a sixth term, while Aly Richards and Amanda Janoo are competing for the Democratic nomination.
Alabama is also holding special primary elections in several congressional districts following a Supreme Court order regarding redistricting.