Wisconsin result dents winning streak for Democratic Party’s left wing

The Democratic candidate for the governorship of Wisconsin, David Crowley, has been projected to win a primary election, marking a setback for the party's more left-leaning factions. Crowley, viewed as a moderate, narrowly defeated Francesca Hong, according to projections from CBS News. Anti-establishment Democrats had previously secured victories across the United States, which had startled the party's leadership.

Another significant Democratic contest took place in Minnesota, where the outcome continued to unsettle party leaders. However, in Wisconsin, the November gubernatorial race will be decided between Crowley and Tom Tiffany, the Republican candidate who won his party's primary. Crowley, the CEO of Milwaukee County, announced on X that it was time to "get to work" and reiterated his priorities: making life more affordable, improving education, creating good-paying jobs, and ensuring opportunity reaches every corner of the state.

Tiffany, a congressman, is supported by former President Donald Trump and has also emphasized affordability, advocating for tax cuts, support for farmers, and better healthcare. The political battles in Wisconsin are expected to be highly contested in the upcoming midterm elections, which will also have broader implications for control of the US Congress.

The Democratic primary in Wisconsin was just one of several closely-watched races held on Tuesday, with other results providing positive news for left-wing Democrats. In Minnesota, Peggy Flanagan won the Democratic nomination for the upcoming US Senate race, defeating her centrist opponent Angie Craig. In South Carolina, Darline Graham Nordone advanced to a runoff vote later in the month in a special Republican primary for the US Senate, following the death of her brother, Senator Lindsey Graham.

Crowley's unexpected late surge in Wisconsin was particularly surprising, as he had briefly dropped his bid last month to support a rival before re-entering the race with the support of current Governor Tony Evers. Despite Hong's defeat, she was proud of her campaign, with her campaign manager stating that she ran a "proud race."

Hong's loss ends a series of victories for left-wing candidates in Democratic primaries, who have gained support by challenging the status quo in Washington and advocating for issues like ending or reducing funding to Israel due to its military operation in Gaza.