Voters in the Upper Midwest made notable choices in the primaries held on Tuesday, showcasing the ongoing struggle within the Democratic Party and indicating shifts in Republican support dynamics.

Wisconsin’s Tight Race

In Wisconsin, the Democratic gubernatorial nomination was closely contested. State Rep. Francesca Hong, a candidate with strong progressive views, narrowly lost to Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley by about 3,700 votes. This came after what seemed like a solid lead for Hong in the polls. Crowley’s return to the race, following Gov. Tony Evers’ request, marked an interesting twist. Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez had withdrawn due to campaign finance issues, leaving the path open for Hong. Despite this, Crowley prevailed, partially due to Evers’ belief that Hong might struggle in the general election.

Hong’s campaign faced challenges. A social media post she made about “canceling” Thanksgiving became a significant issue. Prominent progressive leaders such as Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren chose not to endorse her, which was telling. Nevertheless, Hong nearly secured the nomination.

Democratic Dynamics in Michigan

In Michigan, Abdul El-Sayed, known for his progressive stance, narrowly defeated centrist U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate. El-Sayed’s win was by a single percentage point, indicating a more divided party base than polls suggested. Although El-Sayed succeeded, his victory was not the overwhelming mandate that some expected for the democratic socialist wing.

Impact and Leadership Lessons

These primaries raised the question of whether democratic socialism is thriving in the Upper Midwest. Wisconsin’s results showed leadership’s critical role in shaping electoral outcomes. Gov. Evers actively supported Crowley, demonstrating how center-left leaders need to engage in intra-party disputes. By not “playing it safe,” Evers showed commitment to his stance, coalescing support around Crowley.

The broader takeaway is that while passion often drives fringes of politics, practical solutions appeal to the broader electorate. This centrist approach could be the key to winning national and swing-state elections. It becomes clear that involvement, advocacy, and aligning with voter priorities are essential components for political success.