Primary elections in Minnesota and Wisconsin are set to become an important test of the Democratic Party’s direction ahead of the November 2026 midterm elections. Voters in both Midwestern states are choosing candidates in closely watched races that could help define how Democrats approach progressive politics, immigration and the fight against President Donald Trump.
While Wisconsin remains one of the nation’s most competitive swing states, Minnesota has maintained a strong Democratic presence for more than two decades. The outcomes of Tuesday’s primaries could therefore have consequences well beyond the two states.
Wisconsin Democrats Face a Choice Between Progressive and Moderate Candidates
The Wisconsin Democratic primary for governor has become a major test of progressive influence.
Francesca Hong, a 37-year-old state legislator, chef and democratic socialist, has led much of the Democratic field throughout the campaign. Her grassroots campaign has attracted progressive voters who support policies including Medicare for All, universal child care and a moratorium on data centers.
Hong’s campaign has benefited from enthusiasm among progressive voters, but some Democrats have rallied around David Crowley, the Milwaukee County executive, whom they consider more competitive in a general election.
Crowley’s campaign received a significant boost when outgoing Democratic Gov. Tony Evers endorsed him. Crowley subsequently raised hundreds of thousands of dollars, surpassing Hong’s fundraising during the final stretch of the primary.
Crowley has emphasized his ability to work across party lines and highlighted his experience governing Milwaukee County. He has also criticized Republican efforts to portray Hong as an easy opponent in the general election.
Republican Tom Tiffany Is Already Positioned for the General Election
On the Republican side, Rep. Tom Tiffany faces little serious opposition and is widely expected to become the GOP nominee.
Tiffany has the backing of President Trump and significant financial support from Republican donors. He is also one of Congress’ more conservative members and has closely aligned himself with Trump’s political movement.
Yet Tiffany’s campaign is attempting to present a more personal image to Wisconsin voters.
He emphasizes his upbringing on a dairy farm, his support for the Green Bay Packers and his connection to Wisconsin traditions. His campaign message focuses on being an ordinary Wisconsin resident rather than a Washington insider.
The strategy comes as Trump faces political challenges, including dissatisfaction over the war in Iran and rising living costs.
If Tiffany becomes the Republican nominee, Wisconsin’s gubernatorial race is expected to be highly competitive.
Democrats hope to gain control of the state’s government by retaining the governor’s office while flipping legislative chambers. Republicans, meanwhile, want to maintain their legislative majorities and reclaim the governorship.
Minnesota’s Senate Primary Centers on Immigration
Minnesota’s Democratic primary for an open U.S. Senate seat presents a different but equally important test.
The race pits U.S. Rep. Angie Craig against Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, following Democratic Sen. Tina Smith’s decision not to seek another term.
The campaign has been heavily influenced by the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement operations in the Twin Cities.
The confrontations between protesters and federal immigration authorities became a defining political issue after two Minnesota residents, Renee Macklin Good and Alex Pretti, were fatally shot by federal agents weeks apart.
The events have intensified debate among Democratic voters over how aggressively the party should challenge Trump’s immigration policies.
Flanagan and Craig Offer Different Approaches
Flanagan has made opposition to Trump’s immigration policies a central part of her campaign.
She has criticized Craig for previously supporting a Trump-backed immigration measure, arguing that Democrats should consistently defend immigrant communities rather than adjust their positions based on political circumstances.
Craig, meanwhile, has attempted to position herself as a pragmatic Democrat capable of winning in a competitive political environment.
That contrast reflects a broader debate within the Democratic Party: whether candidates should prioritize a more progressive confrontation with the Trump administration or emphasize moderation and electability.
Why the Midwest Primaries Matter
The Minnesota and Wisconsin contests illustrate the larger debate taking place within the Democratic Party ahead of the 2026 midterms.
In Wisconsin, voters are deciding whether a progressive candidate such as Hong can build a coalition capable of winning statewide or whether Democrats should nominate a more conventional candidate such as Crowley.
In Minnesota, the Senate contest is testing how Democratic voters want to respond to Trump’s immigration policies and federal enforcement operations.
Both states could ultimately become important battlegrounds in November.
The results will therefore provide an early indication of whether progressive candidates are gaining momentum across the Midwest — or whether Democratic voters remain more comfortable with candidates emphasizing moderation, pragmatism and broader general-election appeal.
