Francesca Hong, a radical socialist, faced an unexpected defeat in the Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial primary on Tuesday night, marking a significant moment in the ongoing struggle for the party’s direction.
Despite holding a nearly 20-point lead in pre-election polls, her loss was just one of the night’s many surprises. In Connecticut, a long-serving lawmaker was unseated, while a pro-Trump candidate met a stark defeat in Minnesota. In more unexpected news, Darline, sister of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, secured a place in a special runoff election.
Here are a few insights from this eventful primary night.
1. The far left’s kryptonite: Thanksgiving
Future Socialist Party candidates might want to steer clear of Thanksgiving discussions.
If Hong doesn’t find her way into significant office, she may forever be seen in Wisconsin politics as the person who suggested canceling what many consider the quintessential American holiday.
At 37, Hong had just secured a position in the Wisconsin House of Representatives when she referred to Thanksgiving as a “colonial holiday” in a since-deleted post back in November 2020.
Things got even trickier last week when she went on a 46-second filibuster about it with CNN’s Caitlin Collins. Here’s a snippet from her remarks:
“I’m a chef, and one of the first meals I cooked for the community when I was 16 years old was a Thanksgiving meal. Coming from a hospitality background, I’ve always believed in bringing people together to share meals and create community.”
“However, Thanksgiving can also be a painful time for many. I think it’s essential to acknowledge that there are various perspectives, and those views can change over time.”
“My background as a chef could actually make me a better governor because I understand the importance of bringing people to the table.”
It’s tough to follow that up, really.
Understanding the backlash, Hong later told Politico’s Playbook podcast that Thanksgiving is her “favorite holiday.” However, she vaguely described herself as “kind of mean” about holidays in general, a sentiment reflected in her rants against occasions like Valentine’s Day and the Fourth of July.
This prompted Wisconsin’s Democratic leaders to rally behind Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who entered the race at the last minute to avert what could have become a national joke over Hong’s loss.
2. Graham’s name faces the ultimate test in South Carolina.
Sen. Darling Graham Nordone will be competing in a runoff election against U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman (R-South Carolina) on August 25, aiming to uphold the Senate seat held by her late brother Lindsey Graham, who passed away unexpectedly on July 11.
Nordon, who has Trump’s endorsement, garnered 32.7% of the votes while Norman received 24.6%, neither securing the necessary majority to avoid a runoff.
At 62, Nordone has never held elected office but has a strong base in the rural regions that supported her brother’s political endeavors. Yet, her performance lagged in suburban areas where other candidates like former Gov. Mark Sanford found substantial support.
The runoff is crucial, as the victor will gain an edge in retaining the Republican seat against Democratic pediatrician Annie Andrews in the upcoming November elections.
3. Year of the Minnesota Woman
Next year, Minnesota will have its first female governor, regardless of the general election outcome. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Republican state House Speaker Lisa Demuth emerged victorious in their primaries.
Whoever steps into the role will have to tackle the repercussions of up to $9 billion in taxpayer money lost due to significant social services frauds.
Demuth, notable as the first Black lawmaker and Republican woman to serve in her position, has prioritized fighting fraud, pledging to implement an “anti-fraud plan” if elected.
At her election night gathering, she critiqued Klobuchar, asserting that her rival’s past positions would merely echo outgoing Gov. Tim Walz.
Klobuchar, hoping to continue the Democrats’ 16-year hold on the governor’s office, has promised a decisive crackdown on fraud starting “from day one.” It seems she’s the favorite going into the November general.
In a related note, the progressives feeling the sting of Hong’s defeat in Wisconsin could find some comfort in Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan’s victory over Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minn.) in the primary for Sen. Tina Smith’s now-vacant seat.
4. Despite supporting Trump, Minnesota Republicans insult Mike Lindell
MyPillow founder Mike Lindell lost the Republican gubernatorial primary in Minnesota by 11 percentage points, despite President Trump’s enthusiastic backing.
Hours before voting ended, Trump took to Truth Social, asserting that Lindell “deserves a big win” and praised his efforts for free and fair elections.
Even with that endorsement, Lindell finds himself in an “extraordinary situation,” claiming his defeat warrants investigation.
5. Change is coming to Connecticut.
Rep. John Larson (D-Conn.) faced defeat in Tuesday’s primary against a challenger 32 years his junior.
At 78, Larson lost by a notable 21.6 percentage points to former Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin, who gained traction after earning the Connecticut Democratic Party’s endorsement in May.
Bronin, a Navy Reserve officer and experienced mayor, was viewed as a symbol of a new generation of leaders. Larson’s advanced age had raised concerns, particularly following a troubling incident last year where he appeared to freeze during a speech.
His office later confirmed that the issue stemmed from complex partial seizures.
