The Limits of Progressivism’s Reach

The Democratic primary in Wisconsin recently provided a reality check for the party’s increasingly vocal progressive wing. Francesca Hong, a self-described socialist and member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), fell short in her bid to become the party’s nominee for governor by just 3,000 votes.

Hong’s loss is significant because it shows that even in Wisconsin, which has been trending blue in recent years, more centrist candidates can still prevail. It also highlights the challenges faced by progressive candidates who run on platforms outside the mainstream of American politics.

One key factor contributing to Hong’s loss was her lack of support from national progressive icons like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. While she received endorsements from Ro Khanna and Ilhan Omar, their influence paled in comparison to what a full-throated endorsement from someone like Sanders or Ocasio-Cortez could have brought.

The DSA brand also played a role in her defeat. Concerns about the label’s electability clearly weighed on voters’ minds, and Crowley capitalized on these concerns by positioning himself as a more centrist alternative.

Hong’s struggle to explain a past comment dissing Thanksgiving as a “colonizer” holiday only exacerbated questions about her electability in a purple state like Wisconsin. The event sparked controversy and reinforced doubts about her ability to appeal to a broader electorate.

The results of the primary have sent shockwaves through progressive circles, who had grown increasingly optimistic about making inroads into more conservative strongholds. While Hong’s near-miss is a disappointment, it serves as a stark reminder that even with momentum and enthusiasm on their side, progressives still face significant hurdles in winning over voters outside their core base.

Crowley’s win despite resuming his campaign weeks earlier speaks to the resilience of more centrist candidates. It also underscores the limitations of progressive politics in a country where most Americans identify as moderate or conservative.

As the Democratic Party grapples with internal divisions, the Wisconsin primary serves as a cautionary tale about pushing too far to the left. While progressives may be eager to label themselves socialists and run on increasingly radical platforms, they must also consider appealing to a broader electorate if they hope to win.

The success of candidates like Hong in staying competitive despite being abandoned by the growing progressive coalition in Washington highlights their ability to connect with voters at the local level. However, it also underscores the challenges that lie ahead for progressives seeking to build a more inclusive and representative party.

As the Democratic Party looks to its future, it would do well to heed the lessons of Wisconsin’s primary. While progressivism may be gaining momentum, it is clear that there are still significant limits to its reach. The question now is whether the party will continue to push forward with a platform at odds with most Americans’ views or seek a more inclusive and centrist path forward.

The stakes are high for both parties as they head into the general election. For Democrats, the risk of being painted as socialists by Republicans may be too great to ignore. For progressives, the challenge is to balance their desire to push the party further left with the need to appeal to a broader electorate and win elections.

The outcome of the Wisconsin primary has sent shockwaves through both parties, and the consequences will be felt for months to come.