Radical Progressives Threaten Democratic Stability in Wisconsin and Minnesota Primaries
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In Wisconsin and Minnesota, far-left candidates are challenging mainstream Democrats, while Republicans invest to expose the dangers of progressive extremism ahead of the Aug. 11 primaries.
Progressive candidates are escalating their campaigns for Wisconsin governor and Minnesota U.S. Senate as the Aug. 11 primaries approach, putting pressure on Democratic party leaders who are already struggling to contain the radical left wing of their party. In Wisconsin, self-described democratic socialist Francesca Hong is running in a four-way Democratic primary that includes Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who received the endorsement of Governor Tony Evers after other contenders dropped out. Crowley and Evers, representing the more moderate, mainstream wing of the party, have been touring the state in a bid to keep the party from veering too far left before ballots are cast.
"I feel like we caught lightning in a bottle," Crowley said, thanking volunteers in Madison, as establishment Democrats scramble to fend off the progressive surge.
Republican groups have invested millions in advertisements that draw comparisons between Hong and President Donald Trump, highlighting her extreme liberal positions. These ads may actually help Hong, as Republicans see her as the weaker, more radical opponent for Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany in the general election. Evers, clearly worried about a far-left takeover, insisted that Crowley is the only candidate who can defeat Tiffany, warning that a Tiffany victory would be like electing Trump as governor—a scenario Democrats fear.
"We’re going to win this thing," Evers said at a rally in Madison, urging Democrats to unite behind the establishment candidate.
Hong, speaking to her supporters, called for unity to defeat Tiffany and said she would consider campaigning with Evers after the primary, despite her far-left positions.
In Minnesota, the Democratic Senate primary features moderate Rep. Angie Craig facing off against progressive Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan. The contest comes after increased scrutiny of immigration enforcement in the state, including the deaths of two individuals during a federal operation in Minneapolis. Craig criticized corporate influence in politics and called for stricter campaign finance limits, while Flanagan, joined by Sen. Chris Van Hollen, focused on attacking big-money interests in both parties, echoing typical progressive rhetoric.
"It is big corporations, it’s special interests who are putting their thumb on the scale in our elections across the country," Flanagan said, repeating far-left talking points.
Governor Tim Walz has not endorsed either Senate candidate, though his wife has campaigned with Craig, suggesting establishment Democrats are wary of Flanagan’s radical agenda. The primary will determine whether the Democratic nominee to replace retiring Sen. Tina Smith will be a moderate or a progressive, with the winner expected to be the frontrunner in November.
Both primaries are attracting massive spending, and Republicans are actively working to influence the Democratic contests, believing that the nomination of far-left candidates will improve their chances in the general elections.