Today’s primary in Wisconsin will be test for progressives in key battleground
The Democratic gubernatorial primary in Wisconsin, scheduled for Tuesday, serves as a significant test for progressive candidates in a key battleground state. Francesca Hong, a 37-year-old Korean American state representative, is currently leading the race. A win for Hong, who identifies as a democratic socialist, could provide a boost to the progressive insurgency within the Democratic Party, securing a foothold in a critical Midwestern region.
President Donald Trump has been intensifying his attacks on progressive Democratic candidates, labeling them as "communists" and more recently, "jihadists." Hong's campaign has garnered attention as part of a series of unexpected victories by progressive Democrats. In Michigan's Democratic Senate primary, progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed emerged victorious over a centrist rival on August 4th.
In Minnesota, where primary voting also takes place on Tuesday, moderate US Representative Angie Craig and progressive Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan are in a tight contest for the Democratic Senate nomination.
At a recent campaign rally, Hong advocated for higher taxes on the wealthy, universal child care, increased funding for public education, and a $20 minimum wage. She criticized the persistence of the current minimum wage at $7.25, deeming it both extreme and "radical." Hong stated her frustration with others dictating her and others' access to change and its extent.
Trump capitalized on the progressive surge within the Democratic Party. When queried about his campaign strategy for Republican candidates, Trump suggested using the term "jihadists" to describe these progressive figures. He also alleged that progressives were advocating to "get rid" of the Supreme Court, the presidency, and the Senate.
Trump playfully admitted to having similar sentiments about the Senate but refrained from expressing them. He mentioned calls for reduced funding for police as part of his critique of the Democratic Party's leftward movement.
Written by urgent.news from The Hankyoreh's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
