Democratic socialist in nail-biter in Wisconsin primary

Democratic socialist Francesca Hong is locked in a nail-biting race against moderate candidate David Crowley in Wisconsin's primary for governor. As of Wednesday morning, only a few hundred votes separated the two.

The election is drawing significant attention across the United States. It is viewed as a bellwether for whether a left-wing candidate can secure a victory in one of America's pivotal "swing states," where the Democratic and Republican parties are closely matched.

Hong has campaigned on platforms including free childcare and healthcare. However, she has also faced criticism for her past support of defunding the police. The winner of this primary will go on to challenge Republican Congressman Tom Tiffany in the midterm elections this November.

In neighboring Minnesota, Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan defeated moderate House Representative Angie Craig in the Democratic primary for the Senate. This race also highlighted the internal struggle within the Democratic Party between its left and center factions. Meanwhile, Lisa Demuth won the Republican primary for governor in Minnesota, defeating Trump-backed candidate Mike Lindell.