Primaries in Wisconsin and Minnesota on Tuesday are set to be a crucial test for the Democratic Party's direction in the Midwest, following a narrow progressive victory in Michigan's Senate primary.
In Wisconsin, state Rep. Francesca Hong, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, is the frontrunner for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination. Her campaign platform includes guaranteed paid leave, raising the state's minimum wage to $20 per hour, and a one-year moratorium on building AI data centers. Hong has faced scrutiny over past social media posts concerning police defunding and a call to "cancel Thanksgiving," but she has stated she no longer supports cutting police budgets and now considers Thanksgiving her favorite holiday, attributing past comments to evolving views.
Hong's potential candidacy has raised concerns among some moderate Democrats and strategists who fear it could hurt the party in down-ballot races and aid Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany, the GOP gubernatorial nominee. Tiffany, who has Trump's backing, has characterized the race as a stand against socialism.
Pro-GOP super PACs have reportedly spent millions to boost Hong in the primary, viewing her as a weaker general election candidate. The race to succeed Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, who is not seeking a third term, also features Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who is backed by Evers.
Meanwhile, in Minnesota, the battle for the Democratic Senate nomination pits progressive Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan against moderate Rep. Angie Craig. The winner will face Republican Michele Tafoya, a former TV sports reporter, in a race to succeed retiring Democratic Sen. Tina Smith. The Democratic Party's civil war is also playing out in the race for governor, with Sen. Amy Klobuchar leading the field for the Democratic nomination, while Mike Lindell, founder of MyPillow, is a contender for the Republican nomination.
The primaries also serve as a test of former President Donald Trump's endorsement power. In South Carolina, Trump-backed Sen. Darline Graham is competing in a crowded special Republican Senate primary. Trump's endorsement has not guaranteed success this cycle, as seen in a South Carolina gubernatorial runoff where his initial endorsed candidate lost.
Other notable races include a primary challenge to Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont in Connecticut and Republican Gov. Phil Scott seeking a sixth term in Vermont. Special primary elections are also being held for Congressional districts in Alabama.