South Carolina Senate Runoff Set as Darline Graham Advances, While Democrats Hold Key Primaries in Wisconsin and Minnesota
Senator Darline Graham secured a spot in the South Carolina Republican Senate runoff, and Democratic primaries in Wisconsin and Minnesota concluded with notable leads for a democratic socialist governor candidate and a moderate-progressive Senate contest.
Senator Darline Graham, who has been temporarily filling the seat of her late brother Lindsey Graham, moved on to a Republican primary runoff in South Carolina. She will face Representative Ralph Norman, a five-term congressman and vice-chair of the House Freedom Caucus, on Aug. 25. Graham, endorsed by President Donald Trump, said she expected a runoff after a crowded race and emphasized she is not "being handed this seat."
In Wisconsin, the Democratic primary for governor saw state assemblywoman Francesca Hong, a self-identified democratic socialist, lead by a wide margin. Polls after the field settled showed Hong ahead of her main rival, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, by more than 20 points. Hong, a former chef and small-business owner, told reporters her campaign had mobilized over 7,000 volunteers and knocked on 130,000 doors.
Minnesota’s Democratic Senate primary pitted moderate Representative Angie Craig against progressive Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan for the seat of retiring Senator Tina Smith.
Other races highlighted the influence of Trump endorsements, including Mike Lindell’s bid for Minnesota governor and Tom Tiffany’s campaign for Wisconsin governor, both backed by the former president.
"I am not being handed this seat," Graham said after the results.
"We have been a community, people-powered campaign," Hong told reporters in Madison.