Progressives win key primaries; moderates edge Trump picks

Tuesday was primary election day in six US states, with both major parties holding runoffs in several races. In Minnesota, the progressive Lieutenant Governor defeated Representative Angie Craig in the Democratic Senate primary. The Republican gubernatorial race in Wisconsin remains too close to call. In Minnesota’s GOP contest, eccentric Trump‑endorsed businessman Mike Lindell lost to House Speaker Lisa Demuth. In South Carolina, Darlene Graham advanced to a Republican Senate runoff to succeed her late brother, former Senator Lindsay Graham, who died suddenly last month. France 24 International Affairs Editor Kethevane Gorjestani reported these results.

The day comes as the country prepares to decide who will shape the next two years of federal policy. Primaries are held in the summer to narrow the field before the November general election. Runoffs are common in states that require a majority, and they can shift the balance of power in both parties. The Minnesota Senate race is a key test of progressive momentum, while the Wisconsin governor’s race could decide control of a state that has been a swing battleground.

In Minnesota, the lieutenant governor won by a margin of about 3 percent, signaling strong support for a progressive platform. The Republican primary saw Lindell, known for his flamboyant campaigning, lose by a larger margin to Demuth, who is seen as a moderate. In South Carolina, Graham’s advancement reflects the state's tradition of political families and the party’s desire to keep the seat in familiar hands. Gorjestani noted that the outcomes suggest voters are looking for candidates who can balance experience with fresh ideas.

The next week will feature runoffs in Wisconsin and South Carolina. These contests could shape the parties’ strategies for the fall. The results also hint at a national trend toward more moderate candidates in the GOP and a continued push for progressive voices in the Democrats. The outcomes will influence fundraising, media coverage, and voter turnout as the country moves closer to the November election.