The Wisconsin Democratic primary for governor has emerged as one of the closest and most closely watched races from Tuesday’s US primary elections. With most votes counted, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and progressive candidate Francesca Hong were separated by less than one percentage point.
The race highlights a continuing ideological struggle within the Democratic Party between moderates and progressives. Crowley, who was backed by outgoing Democratic Governor Tony Evers, campaigned as a more moderate and electable candidate, while Hong ran on a strongly progressive platform.
The winner will face Republican Congressman Tom Tiffany, who won the Republican nomination overwhelmingly, in November's general election. The result could be important because Democrats are hoping to win back control of Wisconsin's governorship and make gains in the state legislature.
Other major takeaways
Progressives had mixed results: Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan defeated moderate Democrat Angie Craig in the state's Senate primary, showing continued support for the party's progressive wing.
Trump's influence faced setbacks: His endorsed candidate, Mike Lindell, lost Minnesota's Republican gubernatorial primary to Lisa Demuth.
Trump-backed candidates still won elsewhere: Rhett Marques won the Republican primary in Alabama's newly redrawn 2nd Congressional District.
Generational change continues: In Connecticut, 47-year-old Luke Bronin defeated longtime Democratic Congressman John Larson, another sign that some voters are looking for younger leadership.
Overall, Tuesday's primaries offered no simple answer about where either party is heading. Wisconsin showed the Democrats divided between the centre and the left, while Republican voters demonstrated that Trump's endorsement remains powerful but is not always decisive.