Tuesday’s primary election results showed no clear direction for Wisconsin Democrats. The outcome of the gubernatorial primary was still unclear, with the insurgent candidacy of socialist Francesca Hong causing concern among more mainstream leaders in the party.

Wisconsin’s Democratic Primary

The Democratic primary for governor in Wisconsin seemed to settle little in the party’s national battle between party establishment candidates and an insurgent, populist movement from the left. Hong and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who had the backing of retiring Gov. Tony Evers, were locked in a tight contest, showing neither side of the party debate was winning the argument convincingly.

In other contests, experience was rewarded in two governors’ races, and voters went for generational change in voting out a House incumbent. For Republicans, a contest to replace the late Sen. Lindsey Graham pitted his sister, Darline Graham, against far more experienced candidates. But she also had the endorsement of President Donald Trump, and she secured a spot in a runoff election later this month.

Republican Primary in South Carolina

Darline Graham advanced to a runoff Tuesday night in the primary for her brother’s seat. She was appointed to fill the remaining months of his current term after his death last month. While little was known about her, the family name and the goodwill toward her brother propelled her candidacy.

Trump then endorsed her in the GOP primary to occupy the seat for the next six years. He also praised her Tuesday night after returning to Washington. The role Trump chooses to play in the next two weeks could be decisive in a state where he is quite popular.

Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.