David Crowley is projected to have won a primary election to become the Democratic candidate for Wisconsin governor, in a surprise result that dents a winning streak for the party’s left wing.
Crowley, the more centrist candidate, has secured a narrow victory over Francesca Hong, according to a projection by the BBC’s partner, CBS News.
Anti-establishment Democrats across the US had previously notched up victories that have rattled the party leadership in Washington. That trend continued in another closely-watched Democratic contest in Minnesota.
But in Wisconsin, the governor’s race in November will be contested by Crowley and Tom Tiffany, who easily won the equivalent Republican contest.
Crowley, the chief executive officer of the state’s Milwaukee County, posted on X to say it was time to “get to work”.
He reiterated that his missions were “making life more affordable, strengthening our schools, creating good-paying jobs, and making sure opportunity reaches every corner of our state”.
Tiffany, meanwhile, currently serves as a US congressman and has the backing of US President Donald Trump.
He has also highlighted affordability issues, running on a platform that includes lowering taxes, supporting farmers and improving healthcare.
The state’s political matchups are expected to be closely fought during November’s midterm elections, which have also wider implications for the control of the US Congress.
The Hong-Crowley contest for the Democrats was just one of several closely-watched races that were held on Tuesday, and there was good news elsewhere for those on the party’s left wing.
In neighbouring Minnesota, candidate Peggy Flanagan secured the Democratic nomination for the upcoming US Senate race, defeating her more centrist opponent Angie Craig.
Meanwhile, in South Carolina, Darline Graham Nordone advanced to a run-off vote later this month in a special Republican primary for the US Senate which was held following the death of her brother, Senator Lindsey Graham.
She will face off against Democrat Annie Andrews to fill the vacant seat.
