Crowley leads Hong with Wisconsin governor primary too close to call: 5 takeaways

Democratic socialist Francesca Hong and moderate David Crowley faced a fiercely contested battle for Wisconsin's Democratic gubernatorial primary election on Tuesday, August 12, as pollsters declared the race too close to call after tallying over 90 percent of the votes. Milwaukee County Executive Crowley narrowly led Hong by a few hundred votes, with Hong aspiring to become the state's first democratic socialist governor. The nominee will face Republican candidate Tom Tiffany in the November general election.

The primary outcome in the Upper Midwest also raised concerns about President Donald Trump's influence. In Minnesota, former MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell failed to secure the Republican gubernatorial nomination for the second time, despite Trump's strong endorsement. Lindell's loss came as he held Trump's support in May, when the president declared Lindell "SPECTACULAR!" for his commitment to revitalize Minnesota.

Minnesota's Democratic Senate primary, won by progressive Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, demonstrated the ongoing support for left-leaning candidates. Flanagan, along with fellow progressive Angie Craig, is contesting the Senate seat left vacant by retiring Senator Tina Smith. Hong's progressive policy proposals, such as abolishing the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency and increasing taxes on corporations and billionaires, have gained traction among Democratic voters, according to a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll.