Democratic Establishment Faces Internal Conflict Over Progressive Candidates in Wisconsin and Michigan
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Party leaders and media outlets are warning that progressive candidates Francesca Hong and Abdul El-Sayed could be unelectable in general elections, while a Republican memo describes Hong as a strong contender.
Two progressive candidates are drawing attention ahead of the 2024 midterm elections. Chef Francesca Hong leads the Democratic primary for governor in Wisconsin, and Dr. Abdul El-Sayed holds a double-digit poll lead in Michigan's Senate primary. Both have been described by Democratic strategists as potentially too extreme for general-election voters.
Former Obama campaign adviser David Axelrod said the Wisconsin governor race feels "like a slow-rolling car headed for a cliff," and former Democratic operative James Carville warned that the two-party system is under "tremendous stress" because of candidates linked to left-wing commentator Hasan Piker. Hong declined to condemn Piker when asked.
Democratic establishment figures, including Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, have publicly backed more moderate primary contenders. The party’s internal polling indicates low overall popularity.
A Republican-prepared memo for Tom Tiffany’s gubernatorial campaign, obtained by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, characterizes Hong as "uniquely dangerous in the general election" because of her grassroots momentum, progressive platform, and appeal to independents, working families, and some rural voters. The memo notes that more moderate Democratic alternatives could result in lower voter motivation and turnout.
Centrist think-tank Third Way reportedly advised that Democrats should avoid candidates "far outside the mainstream of their district." Hong has responded that voters are being underestimated by party officials.
The article notes that the outcomes of the upcoming elections remain uncertain, but highlights growing tension between party leadership and progressive grassroots movements.