AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Wisconsin’s state primary

The Wisconsin gubernatorial primary on Tuesday pits two different factions of the Democratic Party against each other. Fresh off his victory in Michigan's Democratic U.S. Senate primary, Abdul El-Sayed is absent from the race in Wisconsin. Four candidates remain in the field: State Rep. Francesca Hong, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, former state cabinet secretary Joel Brennan, and state Sen. Kelda Roys.

This contest could influence the direction of the Democratic Party and determine control of state government in the upcoming general election. Wisconsin has a history of electing governors from the opposite party of their predecessor, which could benefit Republicans in the November election. However, nationwide trends suggest Democrats might fare better in midterm elections.

Republicans currently hold a slight majority in both chambers of the state legislature and six of the eight U.S. House seats. Milwaukee County, the state's most populous, heavily influences both primaries, while Waukesha County contributes significantly to Republican primaries. Dane and Brown counties are key battlegrounds for both parties.