Socialist Surge Tests Wisconsin as Progressive Wing Claims Primary Victories

Clear Facts

• Democratic socialist Francesca Hong’s Wisconsin gubernatorial primary remains too close to call as of Wednesday morning
• Progressive Squad member Rep. Ilhan Omar secured another primary victory in Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District
• Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan defeated establishment Democrat Rep. Angie Craig for Minnesota’s U.S. Senate nomination

The Democratic Party’s far-left wing notched significant primary victories Tuesday night across the Upper Midwest, raising concerns among moderates about the party’s direction heading into crucial 2026 contests. The most closely watched race in battleground Wisconsin remained undecided as of Wednesday morning.

In Minnesota, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan defeated Rep. Angie Craig to secure the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Tina Smith. The contest represented a clear clash between the party’s progressive and establishment factions, with Flanagan drawing support from prominent left-wing figures while Craig had backing from traditional establishment Democrats.

Rep. Ilhan Omar, one of the most controversial members of Congress and a prominent “Squad” member, won her Democratic primary in Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District. Omar has survived multiple well-funded primary challenges despite ongoing controversies surrounding her rhetoric on foreign policy and domestic issues.

The biggest unanswered question Tuesday night centered on Wisconsin, where Democratic voters were still awaiting results in the gubernatorial primary. State Rep. Francesca Hong, a 37-year-old democratic socialist and former chef, is attempting to extend the progressive left’s winning streak in one of America’s most evenly divided swing states.

Hong has drawn backing from national progressive figures including Reps. Omar and Ro Khanna of California. Her platform includes raising Wisconsin’s minimum wage from $7.25 to $20 per hour, guaranteed paid leave, and a one-year moratorium on new artificial intelligence data centers.

The candidate has faced scrutiny over past social media posts advocating for defunding and abolishing police departments. Hong now claims she no longer supports those positions, though critics question the timing of her reversal as she seeks statewide office.

Wisconsin represents a critical test for Democrats seeking to maintain control of the governor’s mansion in a state that has become increasingly competitive. The outcome could signal whether the party’s leftward shift will play in crucial battleground states that will determine control of Congress and the White House.

With most Tuesday primary contests decided, Wisconsin stands as the clearest remaining indicator of whether progressive candidates can maintain momentum beyond deep-blue districts into competitive swing-state terrain. The result will likely influence Democratic strategy heading into the general election cycle.

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.