Progressives got their win in Michigan. Can a democratic socialist carry Wisconsin?

Democratic socialist Francesca Hong secured a narrow victory in Michigan's primary, mirroring the progressive momentum seen across the country. Hong will now face off against moderate Rep. Haley Stevens in Wisconsin's upcoming primary, where she aims to maintain the progressive energy gained in Michigan. Hong acknowledged the need to unite a broader coalition to win the general election, emphasizing that she has engaged with moderates, independents, and Republicans to address their concerns.

Despite facing criticism over her past social media posts, Hong has begun to soften her stance on certain issues, including police abolition, and emphasized the importance of addressing underlying causes of crime. She has garnered support from national progressives but has not received endorsements from prominent democratic socialists Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, whom she attributes to their focus on federal races.

Hong has amassed a significant lead despite a major fundraising gap and is buoyed by grassroots campaign efforts that resonate with Wisconsin voters. However, her Republican opponent, Tom Tiffany, has criticized Hong's policies, predicting that her progressive agenda could make Wisconsin the highest-taxed state in the nation. The outcome of the primary will determine whether a left-leaning candidate can succeed in a battleground state, sparking discussions about the viability of progressive candidates in both primary and general elections.