Primaries Test Democratic Party and 'Red Alert' After Colombia Earthquake: Morning Rundown Progressive Democrats face critical tests in Tuesday’s primary elections as ideological and generational divides within the party come to the forefront. In Wisconsin, state Rep. Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist, is vying for the governor’s seat, positioning herself as a major opportunity for her movement. Her campaign, which has secured a substantial polling lead, faces off against Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who aims to unite the party’s establishment wing. Meanwhile, in Minnesota, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, a progressive advocate, challenges moderate Rep. Angie Craig, whose 2018 Senate race victory is cited as evidence of her ability to retain Democratic control of the seat. South Carolina’s Republicans will select a new Senate nominee following Sen. Lindsey Graham’s death, with President Donald Trump endorsing his sister, Darline Graham, though a runoff remains possible due to a crowded field. Additional primary races are set in Vermont, Connecticut, and Alabama, where voters in newly mapped House districts will test Trump’s influence through endorsements. In the broader political landscape, a U.S. military intelligence assessment reveals a strategic shift in Iran’s priorities, moving away from its nuclear program toward the Strait of Hormuz. The report, shared with two U.S. officials, indicates that Tehran’s focus has intensified on securing control of the critical waterway, which is vital for global oil shipments. Trump has been informed that a U.S. military campaign to seize the strait would be lengthy, costly, and fraught with uncertainty, with no guarantee of success. Despite ongoing negotiations between Iran and Oman, the U.S.#lindsey_graham #francesca_hong #david_crowley #peggy_flanagan #angie_craig
Wisconsin’s Democratic Primary: A Crucible for Progressive Politics Voters in Wisconsin head to the polls on August 2, 2026, in a pivotal primary that will shape the state’s political landscape and offer insights into the direction of the Democratic Party ahead of the November midterm elections. The race for governor has become a battleground between the party’s progressive wing and its more moderate establishment, with the outcome potentially influencing broader national trends. The contest is also part of a broader pattern of progressive candidates outperforming establishment favorites in key Democratic states, following recent victories like Abdul El-Sayed’s narrow win in Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary. The Democratic gubernatorial race has narrowed to two distinct candidates: Francesca Hong, a state representative and democratic socialist, and David Crowley, the Milwaukee County executive. Hong, who would become Wisconsin’s first woman and first Asian American governor if elected, has positioned herself as a champion of progressive causes, including free childcare, student debt cancellation, and the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Her campaign has also drawn scrutiny over past social media posts supporting radical policies such as defunding police and abolishing the U.S. Senate. While she has since distanced herself from some of these positions, emphasizing her local ties to the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) chapter in Madison, she has continued to advocate for Palestinian rights and criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide. Hong has also called for repealing a Wisconsin law that prohibits state agencies from contracting with companies that boycott Israel.#tony_evers #wisconsin_democratic_primary #francesca_hong #david_crowley #michigan_democratic_primary
