‘We’re Winning’: Sanders and DSA Point to Narrow WI, MI Primary Results as Progressive Momentum

The progressive wing of the Democratic Party regrouped after Francesca Hong’s narrow loss in the Wisconsin gubernatorial primary on Aug. 11, arguing that tight finishes in Wisconsin and Michigan show the movement’s expanding influence despite setbacks.

Close Finishes Fuel Momentum Argument

Sen. Bernie Sanders, a self-described democratic socialist from Vermont who caucuses with Democrats, told USA TODAY that recent primaries show progressives are advancing issues voters care about. “There is no question that progressives and democratic socialists are talking about the issues the American people want discussed and want action on,” Sanders said.

Hong, a 37-year-old state legislator and former professional chef, nearly captured a breakthrough for democratic socialists in a Midwestern swing state. Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley — who reentered the race after Hong’s campaign faltered — defied polls and won by roughly half a percentage point, a margin of about 4,000 votes.

Across the two pivotal Upper Midwest contests — Wisconsin’s governor’s primary and Michigan’s closely watched Senate primary — the final margins that decided the outcomes totaled fewer than 20,000 votes. Movement leaders say such narrow results in swing states demonstrate rapid growth and increased relevance for progressive candidates.

Polls, Perception and the DSA

The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) has rising name recognition within the party: a Marquette Law School poll released in June found 42% of Democrats view the DSA favorably versus 17% who view it unfavorably. However, the organization’s image with the broader electorate remains mixed: the same poll showed a 21% favorable versus 48% unfavorable rating among all voters.

“The status quo is not working for them. Progressives and democratic socialists are coming up with an agenda that makes sense to working families. That’s why we’re winning,” Sanders said.

Establishment Concerns and Electability

Centrists and some Democratic strategists view Crowley’s comeback as a playbook for blocking farther-left candidates while preserving electability in swing areas. Rahm Emanuel, who helped the party in past House campaigns, criticized parts of the DSA agenda as outside the mainstream and questioned its appeal to swing voters.

Electability was a decisive theme in Wisconsin: Hong drew strong support from younger and college-educated voters, while Crowley consolidated older, noncollege and Black voters after reentering the race. Analysts also note outside Republican-funded ads that warned Democrats about Hong’s general-election prospects likely influenced undecided primary voters.

Controversies, Strategy And Organizing

Hong received endorsements from Rep. Ilhan Omar and progressive groups including the Milwaukee DSA chapter, but controversy over past social media posts — including comments calling to abolish the police — and other messaging decisions complicated her bid. Critics pointed to campaign missteps such as spending roughly $150,200 on digital ads without buying television ad time in a statewide race.

DSA leaders dispute the electability critique, arguing their economic-populist message — including proposals like universal health care — energizes disaffected voters and expands the electorate. Ashik Siddique, a national DSA co-chair, said the movement aims to lift candidates with workplace-organizing experience who may be less polished but deeply connected to working people.

What’s Next

Progressive organizers are already targeting upcoming contests, including Aug. 18 primaries in Florida where democratic socialists plan challenges to incumbents. Movement leaders say narrow losses and near-misses show organizing strength and provide lessons for refining messaging and voter outreach ahead of November.

Contributors: Reporting and contributions by USA TODAY staff.