The short version
- David Crowley defeated progressive challenger Francesca Hong in the Wisconsin gubernatorial primary, marking a setback for the left-wing surge seen in recent months.
- Mike Lindell lost decisively to Lisa Demuth in Minnesota, suggesting potential limits to Donald Trump’s influence among Republican voters in traditionally blue states.
- Redistricting changes in Alabama and leadership transitions in Connecticut reflect broader structural shifts challenging incumbent politicians across party lines.
A series of primary elections held on Tuesday across multiple states provided early indicators of the political landscape heading into the midterm general elections. The results revealed a complex mix of establishment resilience, progressive setbacks, and internal Republican divisions. In Wisconsin, the gubernatorial race drew significant national attention as it tested the strength of the Democratic left in a critical swing state. Despite polling data that suggested a competitive contest or even a lead for the progressive candidate, the outcome favored the more moderate contender.
Francesca Hong, a state lawmaker representing the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, was narrowly defeated by David Crowley, the Milwaukee County Executive. This result stands in contrast to recent trends where left-leaning candidates have secured prominent primary victories, such as Abdul El-Sayed’s success in Michigan. The Wisconsin campaign was marked by turbulence, including Crowley’s temporary exit from the race and subsequent return. Upon re-entering, Crowley secured the endorsement of outgoing Governor Tony Evers, a move that Hong characterized as evidence of establishment panic. Crowley rejected this characterization, insisting he remained distinct from traditional party elites.
In Connecticut, voters signaled a desire for generational change within the Democratic delegation. Luke Bronin, the former mayor of Hartford, successfully challenged incumbent Congressman John Larson in the first congressional district. Larson had represented the area since 1999, making his ouster a notable shift in long-standing political tenure. Bronin framed his victory as a mandate for renewed energy and clarity within the party. He emphasized the need for Democrats to articulate a clear vision for improving daily life while maintaining a firm stance against policies attributed to Donald Trump.
The Republican primaries presented a different set of challenges, particularly regarding the influence of former President Trump. In Minnesota, Mike Lindell, the CEO of MyPillow and a vocal ally of Trump, suffered a decisive loss to Lisa Demuth, the Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives. Minnesota has not elected a Republican governor in decades, making this primary a test of party strength in a blue state. Lindell’s defeat may reflect both campaign weaknesses and waning support for Trump among some Republican voters. Notably, Lindell did not concede when the race was called for Demuth, who became the first Black person to serve as Speaker of the Minnesota House last year.
Another significant development in Minnesota involved Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, who won her primary decisively. Her campaign focused heavily on attacking Representative Angie Craig’s immigration record, specifically citing Craig’s vote for the Laken Riley Act. This legislation mandates detention for undocumented immigrants accused of local crimes, a policy point that Flanagan leveraged to distinguish herself from her opponent. The success of these campaigns suggests that immigration remains a potent issue in Republican primary contests, even in states where the party does not hold significant power.
In South Carolina, the special Republican primary to fill the Senate seat vacated by Lindsey Graham following his sudden death advanced to a runoff. Interim Senator Darline Graham, who was appointed to the seat after her brother’s passing, will face Congressman Ralph Norman on August 25. Norman is a member of the ultraconservative Freedom Caucus. The winner of this contest will compete against Annie Andrews, a pediatrician and the Democratic nominee, in the November general election. Darline Graham has positioned herself as a political outsider focused on affordability rather than national security, distinguishing her platform from that of her late brother.
Alabama’s primary results highlighted the ongoing impact of redistricting efforts following recent Supreme Court rulings. The high court dismantled key sections of the Voting Rights Act, allowing southern states to redraw congressional maps. In Alabama, this led to the elimination of one of the state’s two majority-Black districts. Shomari Figures, a Democratic representative elected in 2024 from a district that included Mobile and Montgomery, now faces a steep challenge. His hometown of Mobile is no longer part of his district, and he will be challenged by Rhett Marques, a Republican state representative and small-business owner, in the general election.
These primary outcomes collectively suggest that while progressive movements have gained traction in recent months, established political structures remain robust in key battlegrounds. For Republicans, the results indicate potential fractures between Trump-aligned figures and more traditional or moderate party members, particularly in states where the GOP lacks a strong electoral base. As the general election approaches, these dynamics will likely shape campaign strategies and voter mobilization efforts across the country.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian US Politics↗Five key takeaways from this week’s primaries in Minnesota, Wisconsin and beyond as midterms approach