Primaries in Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin this August are set to become critical battlegrounds for the Democratic Party, highlighting the ongoing tension between moderate and progressive factions. These Midwestern contests are expected to serve as a gauge of Democratic voters' sentiment and the electability of candidates aligned with the party's left wing.
In Minnesota's U.S. Senate race, the contest between U.S. Rep. Angie Craig and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan has become a focal point for these internal party debates. The candidates have publicly clashed over issues of electability, their connections to corporate interests, and their strategies for opposing the Republican administration. Millions of dollars in political advertising underscore the intensity of the race.
Flanagan, who has garnered support from progressive senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, has criticized what she describes as "secretive dark money groups and special interests" working to elect Craig. She contends these groups are funded by corporate interests and are hindering policies that would benefit working families. Craig, conversely, has pointed to Flanagan's past fundraising activities and suggested that Republicans would exploit Flanagan's ties to an ongoing fraud inquiry into the state's Medicaid programs if she were the nominee.
Craig, who is backed by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and other senior Democratic leaders, emphasizes the need to win elections in swing states like Minnesota to counter former President Donald Trump. She argues that while she supports campaign finance reform, it is currently "naive to think that we're not going to need resources" from various funding sources.
The Minnesota primary, for the seat vacated by Democratic Sen. Tina Smith, is scheduled for August 11. This date coincides with Wisconsin's primary, while Michigan's primary is set for August 4.
In Michigan, U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens is competing against Abdul El-Sayed for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate. In Wisconsin, state Rep. Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist, is challenging more centrist candidates, including former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes and current Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, in the Democratic gubernatorial primary.
Progressive strategists hope these races will demonstrate that an economically populist message can resonate with a broader electorate, moving beyond established progressive strongholds. However, some Democratic leaders express concern that candidates with more radical platforms could jeopardize winnable races.
Craig has also voiced concerns about the vetting of progressive candidates, citing the recent withdrawal of Graham Platner from the U.S. Senate race in Maine after facing an allegation of sexual assault, which he denies. Craig suggested a connection between the campaign team for Platner and those working for Flanagan's campaign.
Adam Green, co-founder of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, views the Upper Midwest Senate races as crucial for shaping the Democratic caucus and validating the progressive movement's electoral strategy. He expressed a desire for a "pattern of shake-up-the-system economic fighters who win tough swing state elections."
Political scientists note that the Upper Midwest has a long history of populist movements, both left and right. This region, which has been a key political battleground in recent decades, is characterized by a tradition of well-articulated populism that can significantly influence electoral outcomes nationwide, regardless of which party ultimately prevails.