Key facts
- Mike Lindell, a staunch supporter of Donald Trump's false claims about the 2020 election, lost the Republican primary for Minnesota governor.
- State House Speaker Lisa Demuth won the GOP primary, defeating Lindell.
- Demuth, considered more moderate than Lindell, will face Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar in the general election.
- In Wisconsin, David Crowley narrowly defeated Francesca Hong in the governor's primary.
- Crowley will face Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany in the Wisconsin gubernatorial race.
- Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan won her Senate primary.
State House Speaker Lisa Demuth secured the Republican nomination for Minnesota governor on Tuesday, defeating Mike Lindell, a prominent supporter of Donald Trump's false claims about the 2020 election. Lindell's loss marks a significant setback for Trump, given his close ties to the former MyPillow CEO.
Demuth, positioned as a more moderate Republican than Lindell, will now face Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar in the November general election. Republicans are optimistic about their chances in the traditionally blue-leaning state, citing a fraud scandal that has affected the current Democratic administration. However, Klobuchar's past electoral success presents a formidable challenge.
In a separate race, establishment-backed David Crowley narrowly won the Wisconsin governor's primary, defeating democratic socialist Francesca Hong. Crowley, the Milwaukee County Executive, had faced a challenging campaign marked by questions of electability. He will compete against Trump-backed GOP Rep. Tom Tiffany in November.
Meanwhile, Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan won her Senate primary. The Republican campaign is focusing on a welfare scandal that has impacted the state, with GOP Senate nominee Michele Tafoya and the National Republican Senatorial Committee linking Flanagan to the issue.