Sanders, DSA Claim Momentum After 20,000-Vote Margin in Wisconsin and Michigan Primaries
Updated
Updated · USA TODAY · Aug 16
Sanders, DSA Claim Momentum After 20,000-Vote Margin in Wisconsin and Michigan Primaries
2 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · Aug 16
Summary
Less than 20,000 votes separated the top candidates across Wisconsin’s governor primary and Michigan’s Senate primary, giving Bernie Sanders and DSA leaders fresh evidence to argue the Democratic left is gaining ground despite Francesca Hong’s loss.
A roughly 4,000-vote defeat by Hong in Wisconsin still came after establishment Democrats rallied behind David Crowley, while Sanders said voter anger over a "rigged economy" and living costs is lifting progressive and democratic socialist candidates.
Polling cited by progressives shows DSA with 42% favorable and 17% unfavorable ratings among Democrats, but the group remains underwater with the broader electorate at 21% favorable versus 48% unfavorable.
Centrists led by Rahm Emanuel cast Crowley’s comeback win as proof electability still trumps ideological purity in swing states, arguing no progressive has flipped a red district since 2018.
Florida’s Aug. 18 congressional primaries are the next test, as DSA-backed challengers try to turn close Upper Midwest races into broader momentum inside the Democratic Party.