Key facts
- Progressive candidates are vying for key positions in Wisconsin and Minnesota primaries.
- In Wisconsin, democratic socialist Francesca Hong is running against David Crowley, endorsed by Gov. Tony Evers.
- Republicans are spending money to support Hong in the Wisconsin primary, viewing her as a weaker opponent for November.
- In Minnesota, Rep. Angie Craig and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan are in a competitive U.S. Senate primary.
- The Minnesota race has been influenced by immigration enforcement issues following recent killings.
Progressive candidates in Wisconsin and Minnesota are making their final appeals to voters ahead of Tuesday's primaries, highlighting a growing tension between the left wing of the Democratic Party and its establishment.
In Wisconsin, democratic socialist Francesca Hong is challenging David Crowley, the choice of popular Governor Tony Evers, in the race for governor. Crowley, who briefly dropped out of the race, re-entered with Evers' backing after the candidate he initially supported withdrew due to a campaign finance scandal. The primary has been marked by chaos, with two other candidates, including former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, exiting the race. Republicans, through the Right Direction Wisconsin PAC, have spent nearly $3.6 million on ads, some contrasting Hong with President Donald Trump, aiming to influence the primary outcome.
Crowley and other Democrats argue that Republican spending is intended to elevate Hong, whom they believe would be an easier opponent for Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, who is endorsed by Trump. Evers expressed confidence that Crowley is the best chance to defeat Tiffany, whom he characterized as a "MAGA extremist."
Meanwhile, in Minnesota, U.S. Rep. Angie Craig and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan are competing in a closely watched Democratic U.S. Senate primary. This race has been shaped by recent events related to immigration enforcement and Trump's policies. While Gov. Tim Walz has remained neutral, his wife, Gwen Walz, has endorsed Craig. Flanagan, who campaigned with Sen. Chris Van Hollen, argues for a shakeup in Washington to counter corporate and special interest influence in elections.
Both candidates have engaged in extensive campaigning and fundraising, with Craig's campaign receiving a disproportionate amount of financial backing. The winner of the Minnesota primary is expected to be the frontrunner to replace retiring Democratic Sen. Tina Smith.