Progressives Win Primaries in Wisconsin and Michigan

Democratic socialist Francesca Hong won Wisconsin's gubernatorial (governor) primary on August 11, 2026. Progressive Abdul El-Sayed won Michigan's Democratic Senate primary earlier that month. Both campaigned on economic populism — policies favoring working-class interests — plus progressive social policy. Moderate Democrats question whether left-wing candidates can win swing states in November. Hong faces Republican Representative Tom Tiffany.