Why it Matters

Voters in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Vermont and Connecticut are heading to the polls Tuesday in a set of primary elections that have emerged as the next major test of the Democratic Party's ideological direction ahead of November's midterms.

The overarching frame, as AP News puts it, is straightforward: "The establishment and progressive wings of the Democratic Party will face off once again as voters choose party nominees." The Washington Post called it a moment where "the Democratic Party's ideological divide moves into new territory."

Today's contests follow a string of progressive wins on August 5th that NBC News described as progressives "expanding their reach," with Time Magazine noting those wins are "testing Democratic assumptions ahead of the midterms." Wisconsin and Minnesota are the next major data points in that story.

In Wisconsin, democratic socialist State Rep. Francesca Hong entered primary day with a 22-point lead in the Democratic governor's race, according to a final poll. The Hill called it "the biggest test yet for democratic socialists and the far left this election cycle." The winner faces Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany in November, and PBS Wisconsin notes Democrats are hoping to capitalize on low approval ratings for President Donald Trump in a state he carried in both 2016 and 2024.

In Minnesota, the marquee race is the Democratic Senate primary between centrist Rep. Angie Craig, backed by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Nancy Pelosi and Pete Buttigieg, and progressive Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, backed by Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren and Ilhan Omar. A Public Policy Polling survey gave Flanagan a 46-to-32 percent lead heading into Tuesday. The Washington Post noted the race is "playing out in the aftermath of President Donald Trump's aggressive immigration surge, which led to the shooting death of two protesters by federal officers in Minneapolis and galvanized the president's liberal opposition."

In Connecticut, incumbent Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont is seeking a third term against a progressive primary challenge from State Rep. Josh Elliott. Lamont won the state party convention 74.6 percent to 25.4 percent, but Elliott cleared the 15 percent threshold to force a primary. In Vermont, Democrats are choosing a nominee to face popular Republican Gov. Phil Scott, who is running unopposed.

What They're Saying

Trump has been active on Truth Social ahead of today's Republican contests. On the Wisconsin governor's race, he announced his endorsement of Rep. Tom Tiffany, writing: "I endorsed Tom for Congress early and strong, and he won, BIG. Likewise, he has always been at my side... He will fight to advance Common Sense Values, and put WISCONSIN, AND AMERICA, FIRST."

In Minnesota, Trump endorsed MyPillow founder Mike Lindell for governor, calling him "one of America's greatest and most hard working Patriots," and posted get-out-the-vote messages for Reps. Tom Emmer and Brad Finstad, writing that Emmer "has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election" and urging supporters to vote. NPR reported Lindell has been leading in polls following Trump's backing.

The New York Times framed the broader question hanging over today's results simply: "Will the Left Keep Winning in the Midwest?"

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