Wisconsin governor's race too close to call; Trump endorsements falter in Minnesota

The Democratic gubernatorial primary in Wisconsin remains too close to call, with Democratic socialist Francesca Hong and moderate David Crowley locked in a tight race. This contest serves as a key test for the appeal of progressive candidates in the battleground state. With over 90 percent of votes counted, Crowley, the Milwaukee County Executive, held a narrow lead of just a few hundred votes over Hong. The winner will face Republican U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany in the November general election.

Primary results in the Upper Midwest also cast doubt on the power of endorsements from former President Donald Trump. In Minnesota, former MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell lost the Republican nomination for governor to State House Speaker Lisa Demuth, despite Trump's vocal backing. Lindell, a staunch Trump ally and proponent of false claims about the 2020 election, received Trump's endorsement in May. Demuth is expected to face a challenging race against Democratic nominee Senator Amy Klobuchar.

Meanwhile, Minnesota's Democratic Senate primary indicated continued momentum for left-leaning candidates. Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, who was elected on a ticket with Governor Tim Walz in 2018, defeated more moderate Representative Angie Craig. Flanagan is seeking the seat vacated by Senator Tina Smith, who retires in February 2025. Craig had been the sole Minnesota Democrat to vote for the Laken Riley Act, a bill that expanded ICE's authority to detain immigrants charged with certain crimes, a vote she later expressed regret over. Flanagan has been critical of ICE, calling for its dismantling.