Primary elections across the Upper Midwest have become an important political test for both the Democratic Party's progressive movement and former President Donald Trump's influence over Republican voters ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
In Wisconsin, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, a moderate Democrat, narrowly defeated progressive challenger Francesca Hong in the Democratic gubernatorial primary. Crowley's victory is being viewed as a sign that many Democratic voters prioritized electability over a more progressive agenda in the battleground state. He will now face Republican Tom Tiffany in the general election.
Meanwhile, in Minnesota, progressives celebrated a major win after Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan defeated moderate Congresswoman Angie Craig to secure the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Tina Smith. Flanagan campaigned on progressive policies and received strong backing from the party's left wing.
On the Republican side, Lisa Demuth won the Minnesota Republican gubernatorial primary by defeating Mike Lindell, who had received Donald Trump's endorsement. The outcome suggests that Trump's backing may not be as decisive in every Republican contest as it has been in previous election cycles.
The primaries also featured an important U.S. House race in Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District, where Democrat Rebecca Cooke secured her party's nomination and will challenge Republican Derrick Van Orden in November. The race is expected to be one of the most competitive congressional contests in the country.
Political analysts believe the results reflect the Democratic Party's continuing debate between moderate and progressive leadership while also indicating that Trump's endorsements remain influential but are no longer guaranteed to determine Republican primary outcomes. The November general elections are expected to provide a clearer picture of voter sentiment heading into the national political landscape.
