An Extremist Won This Week in Wisconsin. It’s Probably Not the One You’ve Read About.

Wisconsin Democratic Primary: David Crowley Defeats Francesca Hong for Governor Nomination

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley defeated state Rep. Francesca Hong in the Wisconsin Democratic primary for governor on August 4, 2026. Crowley, who received endorsements from Gov. Tony Evers and other party figures, overcame polling deficits to win by a narrow margin of 0.5 percentage points. Hong, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, had positioned her campaign around progressive priorities including housing affordability, public transit expansion, and criminal justice reforms. Crowley will face Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany in the November general election.

The primary outcome leaves Democrats with a candidate who has held countywide office and maintains ties to the current governor. Hong’s platform emphasized rent stabilization measures, expanded tenant protections, and increased funding for social services. Crowley’s campaign focused on continuity with Evers administration policies on education funding and economic development. National Democratic strategists viewed the result as preserving a stronger position in a state that has been competitive in recent presidential elections.

Tom Tiffany’s Record and Election-Related Actions

Tiffany, a Republican representing Wisconsin’s 7th congressional district, serves as a member of the House Freedom Caucus. His legislative record includes sponsorship of bills related to natural resource management. One recurring focus has been efforts to remove the gray wolf from the federal endangered species list, a position shared by some rural legislators and hunting organizations in Wisconsin. State wildlife officials have managed wolf populations under federal guidelines, with periodic delisting attempts occurring through both legislative and regulatory channels.

In December 2020, Tiffany joined an amicus brief filed by Republican lawmakers supporting legal challenges to the presidential election results in several states. On January 6, 2021, he voted to object to the certification of electoral votes from Arizona and Pennsylvania. He stated that he would have raised an objection to Wisconsin’s electoral votes had the opportunity arisen under House rules. These positions aligned with a group of Republican members who questioned aspects of mail-in ballot procedures and vote counting in urban areas, including Milwaukee.

Tiffany has described his actions as consistent with constituent concerns over election administration. He has supported subsequent state legislation tightening voter identification requirements and limiting the use of drop boxes. Wisconsin election officials from both parties have certified results in subsequent cycles without successful legal reversals of the 2020 outcome in the state.

Presidential Travel and Staff Decisions

Following the NATO summit in Turkey in July 2026, President Donald Trump transferred from Air Force One to a smaller aircraft via a catering truck for a subsequent leg to the United Kingdom. The Washington Post reported that the change occurred after intelligence assessments indicated a potential threat from Iran targeting the presidential aircraft. Members of the traveling press corps and some senior officials remained on the original plane during the initial segment.

Among those who accompanied Trump on the alternate aircraft were personal aide Walt Nauta, social media assistant Natalie Harp, and longtime adviser Dan Scavino. Officials including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stayed on the primary aircraft. The White House did not issue an immediate public statement on the routing change. The episode marked an instance in which standard press pool procedures were altered without prior notification.

Minnesota Senate Primary Outcome

In Minnesota, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan defeated Rep. Angie Craig in the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate seat. Flanagan received approximately 60 percent of the vote. Craig had voted in favor of the Laken Riley Act in January 2025, which expanded mandatory detention authority for Immigration and Customs Enforcement in cases involving certain arrests of noncitizens.

Flanagan’s campaign highlighted opposition to federal deportation operations conducted in the state earlier in 2026. Craig represented a competitive suburban district and had emphasized border security measures alongside other enforcement provisions. Flanagan advances to the general election against former sports broadcaster Michele Tafoya, the Republican nominee. Minnesota has supported Democratic Senate candidates in recent cycles.

San Francisco Congressional Race and Endorsements

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has supported Connie Chan in the Democratic primary to succeed her in California’s 11th congressional district. Chan faces state Sen. Scott Wiener. Wiener’s campaign released an AI-generated chatbot simulating responses from Chan on housing and transportation issues before withdrawing the tool after public criticism. Pelosi signed a letter with other elected officials criticizing the chatbot’s presentation.

Pelosi has hosted fundraisers and directed staff resources toward Chan’s campaign. Reports indicated she contacted labor leader Dolores Huerta regarding an endorsement of Wiener. Wiener had declared his candidacy prior to Pelosi’s formal retirement announcement. The primary is scheduled for later in 2026 in a district that has consistently elected Democratic representatives.

South Carolina Senate Special Primary

South Carolina Republicans held a special primary on August 4, 2026, to select a nominee for the Senate seat previously held by the late Lindsey Graham. Appointed Sen. Darline Graham, Graham’s sister, received 33 percent of the vote and advanced to an August 25 runoff against Rep. Ralph Norman. Rep. Russell Fry and former Gov. Mark Sanford did not advance.

Norman, a member of the House Freedom Caucus, had endorsed Nikki Haley during the 2024 Republican presidential primary. Graham received an endorsement from President Trump. Trump stated after the primary that he might campaign for Graham while noting positive views of other candidates in the field. The runoff will determine the Republican nominee in a state that has elected Republican senators without interruption since 2003.

Minnesota Republican Gubernatorial Primary

State House Speaker Lisa Demuth defeated MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell in the Minnesota Republican primary for governor. Demuth received 55 percent of the vote to Lindell’s 44 percent. Lindell had received an endorsement from President Trump. Lindell had maintained voter registration in Texas during portions of the campaign period.

Lindell has publicly questioned the accuracy of the primary results and has not conceded. Demuth will face the Democratic nominee in November. Minnesota gubernatorial races have featured competitive margins in recent elections.