Francesca Hong aims to ride progressive wave in Wisconsin primary for governor

In Wisconsin's Democratic gubernatorial primary, state lawmaker Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist, is the frontrunner in a four-way race to succeed Governor Tony Evers. The primary is seen as a test of an anti-establishment mood among Democratic voters, with Hong advocating for progressive policies like universal childcare and free school meals. The incumbent governor, Tony Evers, has endorsed Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who re-entered the race and is campaigning on electability. Hong's past statements have drawn scrutiny from Republicans. The winner will face Republican Tom Tiffany in the general election. The article also briefly mentions a competitive Democratic congressional primary in Wisconsin's third district.

Peggy Flanagan, Minnesota's lieutenant governor, won the Democratic primary for the US Senate, defeating Representative Angie Craig. This victory exemplifies a trend of progressive candidates unseating moderates in Democratic primaries, with immigration issues playing a central role due to the impact of the Trump administration's immigration crackdown in January. Flanagan, a member of the White Earth Nation, will face Republican Michele Tafoya in the general election. The race was notable as both the governor and US Senate seats were open, with no incumbents running. Immigration enforcement became a key issue following a significant operation in the state that resulted in deaths and deportations.

Wisconsin Democrats are holding a high-stakes primary on Tuesday to select nominees for governor and eight U.S. House seats, among other offices. The gubernatorial race is a key focus, serving as another test for the Democratic Party's progressive wing against its moderate establishment, following a similar contest in Michigan. The outcome could signal the direction of the party ahead of the November midterm elections. The main contenders for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination are State Representative Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist endorsed by U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar, and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who is endorsed by the outgoing governor. Both candidates aim to make history as Wisconsin's first woman governor and first Black governor, respectively.

Minnesota voters are heading to the polls for primaries that will shape the direction of both the Democratic and Republican parties in key statewide races. In the Democratic U.S. Senate primary, Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, a progressive, is challenging U.S. Representative Angie Craig, with immigration enforcement being a central issue. For the Republican gubernatorial nomination, election denier Mike Lindell, endorsed by Donald Trump, is competing against other candidates. These primaries will determine the nominees for open governor and U.S. Senate seats, with Democrats currently holding an advantage in the state. Republicans are hoping to capitalize on state fraud scandals to challenge Democratic incumbents.

Minnesota Democrats are holding a competitive US Senate primary election where immigration is a central issue. Representative Angie Craig, considered more moderate, faces Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, a progressive. Craig has faced criticism for previously voting for a Trump administration immigration bill, a vote she now regrets. Flanagan, endorsed by progressive figures like Ilhan Omar, criticizes Craig's past vote and advocates for stronger support of the immigrant community. Both candidates are vying for the open Senate seat after Senator Tina Smith announced she would not seek re-election. The primary will help define the Democratic Party's direction heading into the midterm elections.

Minnesota's state primary on Tuesday will feature a competitive Democratic U.S. Senate race between U.S. Rep. Angie Craig and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, representing a moderate versus progressive ideological divide within the party. Republicans are also choosing nominees in hopes of ending a two-decade statewide election drought. The election is influenced by a childcare fraud investigation that led Gov. Tim Walz to end his reelection bid and the Trump administration's immigration policies. In the Senate race, Flanagan has progressive endorsements, while Craig has significant fundraising advantages and support from prominent moderate Democrats. The Republican Senate primary includes former broadcaster Michele Tafoya and former Navy SEAL Adam Schwarze. U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar faces little opposition for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, while the Republican field includes Mike Lindell.

Wisconsin voters are heading to the polls for a gubernatorial primary election that will feature a clash between the Democratic Party's establishment and progressive wings. Four active candidates are vying for the Democratic nomination to succeed outgoing Governor Tony Evers: State Rep. Francesca Hong, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, former state cabinet secretary Joel Brennan, and state Sen. Kelda Roys. The winner will likely face Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, who has a significant fundraising advantage and President Donald Trump's endorsement. The election is significant as Wisconsin is a key battleground state, and the outcome could influence control of state government and potentially the U.S. House majority. The primary will also set the stage for a competitive general election, with historical trends suggesting a potential advantage for Republicans, though national midterm election patterns could favor Democrats.

Progressive candidates are making final pushes in upcoming primaries in Wisconsin and Minnesota, challenging the Democratic establishment. In Wisconsin, democratic socialist Francesca Hong is competing in a four-way primary for governor against David Crowley, who is endorsed by Gov. Tony Evers. Republicans are reportedly spending money to support Hong, believing she would be an easier opponent in the general election. In Minnesota, U.S. Rep. Angie Craig and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan are vying for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate. Both races highlight a broader trend of progressive candidates gaining traction, raising concerns among some Democratic leaders about electability in battleground states. These primaries follow a similar contest in Michigan where progressive Abdul El-Sayed narrowly won his Senate primary.

Minnesota's Democratic U.S. Senate primary between U.S. Rep. Angie Craig and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan is being shaped by the fallout from President Trump's immigration policies. Protests against a deportation campaign at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis, which resulted in two deaths, remain a significant backdrop. Craig's past votes for tighter immigration enforcement, including the Laken Riley Act, are being highlighted by Flanagan as a point of contention, with Craig later expressing regret for her vote. Flanagan, positioned as the more progressive candidate, criticizes Craig for supporting Trump's immigration bill, while Craig defends her record and experience in winning tough races. The primary reflects broader national divides within the Democratic party.