David Crowley wins Wisconsin primary; Darline Graham advances in South Carolina

Voters in six U.S. states went to the polls today to decide candidates for the November midterm elections. The contests included primaries for the governor of Wisconsin and a special election for a U.S. Senate seat in South Carolina. In Wisconsin, moderate Democrat David Crowley won a tight race against Democratic‑Socialist candidate Francesca Hong. In South Carolina, Republican Darline Graham, the sister of late Senator Lindsey Graham, moved on to a runoff in the Senate primary. The coverage of these results is being handled by journalist Yuka Royer.

The midterm primaries are a key moment in a year when both parties are trying to shape the balance of power in Congress. Wisconsin has long been a swing state, and its governor race is seen as a bellwether for the national mood. The Democratic‑Socialist movement, which has grown in recent years, pushed Hong into the spotlight, but Crowley’s message of moderation appealed to voters who were wary of a more left‑leaning agenda. South Carolina’s Senate race is a high‑stakes battle; the seat was left vacant after a special election, and the winner will hold it until 2025. The race is also a family story, as Darline Graham seeks to continue her brother’s legacy in the Senate.

Crowley’s victory was narrow, with a margin of just a few percentage points. Poll watchers noted that turnout was higher than expected, especially in urban areas that leaned Democratic. In South Carolina, Graham’s lead in the primary was enough to force a runoff, a process that will keep the state’s voters engaged for weeks. Analysts say that Crowley’s win could signal a shift toward more centrist candidates in the Democratic Party, while Graham’s success shows that name recognition and family ties still matter in Republican politics.

The runoff in South Carolina will take place next month, and the winner will face the general election in November. In Wisconsin, Crowley will need to consolidate his support and prepare for a general election that could be decided by a few thousand votes. These primaries set the stage for the national narrative of the midterms, showing whether voters prefer continuity or change. The outcomes will influence how both parties position themselves in the upcoming campaign season.