Polls closed Tuesday evening in Wisconsin, a key battleground state, where a Democratic primary featuring progressive candidate Francesca Hong is a central contest among those held across six states. The Wisconsin race is a significant test of the growing influence of the left wing of the Democratic Party against its more centrist establishment.
Voters also cast ballots Tuesday in South Carolina, Vermont, Connecticut, Alabama, and Minnesota. A notable contest in South Carolina is the Republican primary for the Senate seat vacated by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, testing the endorsement power of former President Donald Trump. Trump backed Sen. Darline Graham, the late senator's sister, who was appointed to fill the remainder of her brother's term.
In Wisconsin, the Democratic gubernatorial primary winner is expected to face Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany, who is considered the frontrunner for the GOP nomination and has secured Trump's endorsement. Tiffany, a member of the House Freedom Caucus, has stated that Wisconsin will be a "firewall" to "stop socialism."
Francesca Hong, a state representative and member of the Democratic Socialists of America, is polling as the frontrunner for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination. Her platform includes proposals for guaranteed paid leave, increasing the state's minimum wage to $20 per hour, and a one-year moratorium on building AI data centers in Wisconsin. Hong has previously faced scrutiny over past social media posts advocating for defunding the police and questioning the celebration of Thanksgiving, though she has since stated she no longer supports defunding police departments and now calls Thanksgiving her "favorite holiday."
Two major contenders for the Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial nomination, Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez and former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, withdrew from the race this summer. Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who had initially suspended his campaign and endorsed Rodriguez, re-entered the contest and has received support from outgoing Democratic Gov. Tony Evers. Some moderate Democrats and strategists express concern that Hong's nomination could benefit Tiffany in the general election, potentially impacting other Democratic candidates down-ballot. Pro-GOP super PACs have reportedly spent millions to support Hong in the primary, viewing her as a weaker general election candidate.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Party's internal divisions are also evident in Minnesota's race for the U.S. Senate. Progressive Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and more moderate Rep. Angie Craig are the leading candidates for the Democratic nomination to succeed retiring Sen. Tina Smith. Flanagan has received endorsements from Sen. Bernie Sanders and Sen. Elizabeth Warren. The Republican field for the Senate seat includes former TV reporter Michele Tafoya and ex-NBA player Royce White.
Minnesota's gubernatorial race also features a significant primary. Democratic Gov. Tim Walz is not seeking a third term. Sen. Amy Klobuchar is the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination. On the Republican side for governor, My Pillow founder Mike Lindell and House Speaker Lisa Demuth are among the leading contenders.
In South Carolina, Trump's endorsement has not guaranteed success in Republican primaries. Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, backed by Trump, lost a runoff election for the gubernatorial nomination despite being the top vote-getter in the initial primary. Trump subsequently endorsed her opponent, Attorney General Alan Wilson.
Other primaries included Connecticut, where Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont faces a challenge from the left, and Vermont, where Republican Gov. Phil Scott is unopposed for the GOP nomination. In Alabama, special primary elections are being held in several congressional districts following a Supreme Court order regarding redistricting.