Democratic primaries are underway today in Wisconsin and Minnesota, where left-wing candidates are challenging more traditional figures within the party. These contests reflect an ideological divide that has been observed in other states this year.
In Wisconsin, state representative Francesca Hong, a self-described democratic socialist, is considered a front-runner for the gubernatorial nomination. Minnesota's open Senate seat primary features Peggy Flanagan running against centrist Democratic representative Angie Craig.
These primaries follow last week's US Senate primary in Michigan, where progressive Abdul El-Sayed defeated Haley Stevens. This victory has reportedly energised progressives but has also raised concerns among Democratic party leaders about the potential impact on November's midterm elections, particularly in battleground states.
Separately, a special Republican primary election is being held in South Carolina to select a successor for the late US Senator Lindsey Graham. His sister, Darline Graham, who was appointed interim senator, is among the 10 candidates on the ballot. If no candidate secures an overall majority, a runoff election is scheduled for 25 August.