Wisconsin primary tests progressive strength as Trump attacks 'jihadists'

Wisconsin's Democratic gubernatorial primary on Tuesday presents a crucial test for progressives, with Korean American state representative Francesca Hong leading the race. A victory for Hong, who identifies as a democratic socialist, would bolster the progressive movement within the Democratic Party and establish a foothold in a vital Midwestern battleground state.

“

What was truly extreme and “radical” was the fact that the minimum wage remained at US$7.25.

President Donald Trump has recently escalated his rhetoric against progressive Democratic candidates, moving from labeling them "communists" to "jihadists." Hong's campaign is drawing national attention as the latest in a series of unexpectedly strong performances by progressive Democrats in primary contests.

This trend was evident in Michigan's Democratic Senate primary on August 4, where progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed defeated a centrist rival. In Minnesota, a close race for the Democratic Senate nomination is underway between moderate US Rep. Angie Craig and progressive Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan.

“

The candidate said she was tired of other people deciding when they would be allowed to have change and how much change they would get.

At her final campaign rally, Hong advocated for higher taxes on the wealthy, universal child care, increased public education funding, and a $20 hourly minimum wage. She argued that the current federal minimum wage of $7.25 is "radical" and expressed frustration with others dictating the pace of change. Hong urged collective action to empower Wisconsin's working class.

“

Hong argued that they had to come together to give power back to Wisconsin’s working class.

Trump has seized on these developments, recently stating at the White House that "jihadists" are being elected across the country, though he did not name specific individuals. He also claimed that progressive Democrats are calling to dismantle institutions like the Supreme Court, the presidency, and the Senate, while also criticizing their calls to defund the police.

“

The one thing is we have jihadists being elected all over the place.