Wisconsin primary split leaves Democrats divided heading into fall
Why it matters: David Crowley beat Francesca Hong by less than 4,000 votes, underscoring a near-even split between centrist and left-wing Democrats.
Wisconsin Democrats emerged from their governor's primary with little clarity about the party's direction after Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley narrowly defeated state Rep. Francesca Hong. The race was decided by fewer than 4,000 votes, reflecting a close divide between establishment Democrats and a more populist left flank. The result followed another tight Midwestern contest in Michigan, where Abdul El-Sayed edged Haley Stevens by about 15,000 votes in the Senate primary. Together, the races suggest Democratic voters in battleground states remain sharply split over how far left candidates should go before November.