Progressive vs. moderate battles heat up in late-season Democratic primaries
The Democratic Party’s ideological clash moves to Florida, New England and New Hampshire as progressive challengers take on incumbent moderates in key primaries.
Following victories by Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan and Peggy Flanagan in Minnesota, the Democratic primary calendar shifts to Florida, where DSA-endorsed Oliver Larkin will contest moderate Rep. Jared Moskowitz in a pivotal swing district. Two weeks after, Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey, backed by progressive figures, meets a generational challenge from Rep. Seth Moulton. In neighboring New Hampshire, the open Senate seat sees establishment-favored Rep. Chris Pappas competing against progressive-leaning medical scientist Karishma Manzur, who has criticized AIPAC support.
Meanwhile, the Wisconsin gubernatorial primary saw DSA member Francesca Hong narrowly lose to David Crowley, a result that Republicans claim could have aided GOP nominee Tom Tiffany. The outcomes of these contests will influence the Democratic Party’s policy stance and its prospects in the upcoming midterm elections.
Why it matters
These primaries will determine whether progressive or moderate policies dominate the Democratic agenda before the 2026 midterms.
How this story developed
- Jul 20 Voters Favor Democratic Socialists Over MAGA Candidates, New Poll Shows
- Aug 10 Abdul El‑Sayed secured the Democratic nomination in the Michigan Senate primary.
- Aug 11 Zohran Mamdani took office as New York City mayor on Jan. 1.
- Aug 11 Francesca Hong now holds a clear lead in Wisconsin’s open governor’s race.
- 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 Hong leads in a recent poll with 38% support, while Crowley trails at 7% and other candidates have withdrawn.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 Democratic leaders announced a statewide unity tour featuring a breakfast with Baldwin and Pocan and a Milwaukee rally for Crowley.
- 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 Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley narrowly defeated state Rep. Francesca Hong in Wisconsin’s Democratic gubernatorial primary, positioning a moderate against a DSA-aligned candidate.
- Aug 13 Crowley won the primary by 0.4 percentage points, with results reported as 39.8% to 39.4%.
- Aug 13 Flint City Councilman Leon el Alamin, who endorsed El‑Sayed, was indicted on two felony charges.
- Aug 13 Governor Tony Evers actively campaigned for David Crowley in the Democratic primary.
- Aug 13 Mike Rogers has continued to cite the 2019 Hasan Piker comment in campaign materials.
- Aug 13 The Green Party nominated Shane Dedrick, prompting accusations of a possible Republican infiltration.
In this story
Related stories
27 in this thread