MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Progressive candidates for governor in Wisconsin and U.S. Senate in Minnesota are making final efforts ahead of Tuesday’s elections, putting pressure on the Democratic establishment. The primaries follow Abdul El-Sayed's recent victory over Rep. Haley Stevens in Michigan’s Senate primary, which has energized the left and raised concerns among Democratic leaders about the implications of a leftward shift in battleground states.
In Wisconsin, democratic socialist Francesca Hong is competing in a four-way Democratic primary for governor against David Crowley, who has been endorsed by outgoing Gov. Tony Evers. Evers endorsed Crowley on July 18, the same day Crowley reentered the race after briefly dropping out. Evers and Crowley have been campaigning together in the final days leading up to the election.
Crowley expressed optimism about their campaign, stating, "I feel like we caught lightning in a bottle. Momentum is just growing and growing and growing." Meanwhile, Republicans are reportedly supporting Hong, believing she may be a more favorable opponent for Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany in the general election. The Republican Governors Association has invested nearly $3.6 million in ads contrasting Hong with President Donald Trump and highlighting her liberal policies.
Evers expressed confidence in Crowley’s ability to defeat Tiffany, asserting, "We’re going to win this thing," and warned that a Tiffany victory would be detrimental for Wisconsin. Both candidates, Crowley and Hong, emphasized the need for Democratic unity to ensure a successful outcome against Tiffany.
In Minnesota, voters are deciding between moderate U.S. Rep. Angie Craig and progressive Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan in a Democratic U.S. Senate primary. This race has been influenced by recent events surrounding immigration enforcement in the state, including the deaths of individuals during confrontations with federal immigration officers. Craig addressed concerns among voters about the effectiveness of Congress and the need for campaign finance reform, stating, "The only way we pass any of the progressive policies that all of us here support is by winning elections and taking damn majorities."
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has not endorsed a candidate in the Senate primary, but his wife, Gwen Walz, has endorsed Craig and campaigned with her.