Close Midwestern Democratic Primaries Reveal Growing Influence of DSA-Aligned Candidates
Tight races in Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota show that candidates linked to the Democratic Socialists of America can compete strongly against establishment Democrats.
Recent Democratic primaries in the Midwest produced razor-thin margins: Abdul el Sayed beat Haley Stevens in Michigan by roughly one percentage point, and David Crowley holds a 0.4-point lead over Francesca Hong in Wisconsin. In Minnesota, Peggy Flanagan won a clear victory over Angie Craig, capturing the bulk of the Twin Cities vote. The outcomes highlight a split between establishment candidates and those championing a platform reminiscent of the Democratic Socialists of America, with the latter drawing strong support from college-educated, sub-$100,000 income areas.
Turnout data show that traditional white working-class voters, once a Democratic stronghold, now lean heavily toward Republican candidates, while progressive contenders thrive in urban and suburban precincts. Endorsements from governors such as Tony Evers and Gretchen Whitmer favored the establishment hopefuls, yet the close results suggest a growing capacity for DSA-aligned figures to shape the party’s future presidential nominations.
Why it matters
The tight primaries indicate a potential realignment of Democratic voters that could affect future national elections.
How this story developed
- Jul 28 Early Voting Starts Amid Turbulent Wisconsin Democratic Governor Primary
- Aug 11 Republican Representative Tom Tiffany warned that a Hong victory could bring far‑left policies to Wisconsin.
- Aug 11 Francesca Hong now holds a clear lead in Wisconsin’s open governor’s race.
- Aug 11 Recent polls show Hong holding a double‑digit lead over Crowley.
- Aug 11 The Democratic primary will determine if Hong, a former chef and single mother, becomes the party's nominee for governor, challenging the endorsement of retiring Gov. Tony Evers for Crowley. Hong leads in a recent poll with 38% support, while Crowley trails at 7% and other candidates have withdrawn. Her campaign emphasizes grassroots organizing, claiming 120,000 door knocks and a focus on issues such as legalizing marijuana, raising wages, and protecting freedoms. Critics warn her victory could affect donor contributions and raise questions about the party's ability to win the general election against Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany.
- Aug 11 David Crowley re‑entered the race after receiving Gov. Tony Evers’s endorsement.
- Aug 11 Immigration and fraud issues have become central themes of the Democratic Senate primary.
- Aug 11 Democratic leaders announced a statewide unity tour featuring a breakfast with Baldwin and Pocan and a Milwaukee rally for Crowley.
- Aug 12 Flanagan secured the Democratic nomination with about 59% of the vote.
- Aug 12 With three‑quarters of votes counted, Hong and Crowley are separated by less than one point, keeping the Democratic nomination undecided.
- Aug 12 State Rep. Francesca Hong, a Democratic Socialists of America member, lost to Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley in Wisconsin's Democratic governor primary.
- Aug 12 Wisconsin holds its Democratic gubernatorial primary with Francesca Hong and David Crowley as the final contenders.
- Aug 12 Crowley will face Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany in the November general election.
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