In four states, a test of the Democratic Party's leftward drift

Democratic primaries today in Connecticut, Minnesota, Vermont and Wisconsin will test how far leftward the party has shifted. Minnesota Democrats may nominate a progressive over a moderate for their Senate race, while suburban voters could reject a pragmatist candidate for a left-wing alternative. A Democratic Socialists of America-aligned candidate is likely to become Wisconsin's Democratic gubernatorial nominee, drawing attention to the socialist group's governing approach in a key battleground state.

In Connecticut, Rep. John Larson, a former House leadership member, faces a significant primary challenge from former Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin. While the contest reflects generational differences - Larson is 78 and Bronin 47 - it has also centered on Israel policy, with Larson a longtime congressional supporter and Bronin shifting left on the issue during the campaign.

A clean sweep by the party's left wing across all four races would signal substantial momentum for progressive forces within the Democratic caucus. The Minnesota and Wisconsin contests are expected to be competitive in November, particularly if Democrats nominate progressive slates. Democratic operatives in Wisconsin privately worry that their gubernatorial nominee lacks preparation for national attention, potentially affecting the broader ticket against the expected Republican nominee. Minnesota's lieutenant governor would begin as the favorite in the state if she becomes the Senate nominee.

On the Republican side, a special election primary in South Carolina for the late Senator Lindsey Graham's seat will determine whether voters back President Donald Trump's endorsement of the senator's sister and keep the seat in the family, or choose a conservative lawmaker with greater legislative experience. The appointed senator holds a narrow polling lead, though the race is expected to advance to a runoff.