Progressives strengthen: Ilhan Omar won, tight battles over the future of the Democratic Party
Democratic Congresswoman from Minnesota Ilhan Omar secured her party's nomination on the way to another term in the House of Representatives. Very tight races were also recorded in the states of Connecticut and Wisconsin.
Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar won last night (between Tuesday and Wednesday) the primary in Minnesota's fifth district, securing her party's nomination on the way to another term in the House of Representatives. Omar, one of the figures most identified with the progressive wing of the Democratic Party and a member of "The Squad" group, overcame four challengers. Her victory fits into a night where the balance of power between the party's left wing and mainstream representatives was tested once again.
The most significant battle in the state was for the Democratic nomination for the Senate. Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, who was supported by Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and Omar, defeated moderate Congresswoman Angie Craig. According to the results, Flanagan won nearly 59 percent of the vote, compared to about forty percent for Craig.
The contest turned into an intra-party referendum on a series of issues, including immigration policy, the activity of the immigration agency ICE, and the attitude toward Israel. Flanagan called for the dismantling of ICE and criticized American support for Israel, while Craig enjoyed the support of Democratic establishment figures, including Nancy Pelosi and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Wisconsin: The socialist against the establishment candidate
In Wisconsin, one of the tightest races of the night continues this morning. State legislator Francesca Hong, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America organization, is running against Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley for the Democratic nomination for governor. Crowley enjoys the support of outgoing Governor Tony Evers, and Hong received support from senior figures in the progressive camp, including Omar and Ro Khanna. The counting of mail-in ballots delayed a decision, and both candidates remain very close, and a winner has not yet been declared.
The race in Wisconsin is considered particularly important because the state is one of the key arenas in the midterm elections. The Democratic winner will face Republican Congressman Tom Tiffany in November. The progressive Hong previously said that the American Thanksgiving holiday should be abolished, but has since walked back those comments.
Connecticut: The establishment won one battle, lost another
In Connecticut, Democratic Governor Ned Lamont, identified with the mainstream, managed to defeat his progressive rival Josh Elliott. On the other hand, veteran Congressman John Larson, who has served in Washington for nearly three decades, was ousted in the primary by former Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin. Bronin based his campaign on the need for a generational change and a tougher approach toward US President Donald Trump.
The results from Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Connecticut do not point to a clear-cut victory for one camp, but they show that the progressive wing continues to be a major force, and in some states even succeeds in overcoming candidates supported by the party leadership.
