What to watch in Wisconsin’s high-stakes primary

What the report says

Wisconsin voters are heading to the polls Tuesday in a primary that will help determine nominees for governor, all eight of the state’s US House seats, the state Assembly and half of the State Senate. Al Jazeera, citing The Associated Press, reports that the governor’s race is the main focus because it reflects a broader contest inside the Democratic Party between its progressive and more moderate wings.

The Democratic field has narrowed to two leading contenders: Francesca Hong, a state representative and self-described democratic socialist, and David Crowley, the Milwaukee County executive. Hong has campaigned on free childcare, student debt relief and stronger support for Palestinian rights, while Crowley has presented himself as a pragmatic option after re-entering the race and winning the backing of outgoing Governor Tony Evers. A recent Marquette University Law School poll showed Hong ahead among Democratic primary voters.

The race gained extra attention after a series of withdrawals, including Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez, Missy Hughes and later Mandela Barnes, who left the contest after resurfaced allegations. Because those exits came after the filing deadline, the names remain on the ballot, and the AP noted that many absentee ballots had already been returned before the field changed.

Other closely watched contests include Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District, where Democrats are choosing a challenger to Republican Derrick Van Orden, and the 7th District, where Republicans are selecting a nominee in a seat expected to remain safely in GOP hands. Polls are open from 7am to 8pm local time.