
Primaries yield mixed results for moderate, progressive Dems
Clip: 8/12/2026 | 3m 14sVideo has Closed Captions
Latest primaries yield mixed results for moderate and progressive Democrats
We’re getting a clearer picture of who will be on the midterm ballots and the direction of the political parties after key primary races were decided in six states. Midwestern voters weighed in on party establishment candidates, insurgencies and a pair of celebrities. In the Southeast, questions surrounding political succession and Trump’s influence remain unresolved. William Brangham reports.
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Major corporate funding for the PBS News Hour is provided by BDO, BNSF, Consumer Cellular, American Cruise Lines, and Raymond James. Funding for the PBS NewsHour Weekend is provided by...

Primaries yield mixed results for moderate, progressive Dems
Clip: 8/12/2026 | 3m 14sVideo has Closed Captions
We’re getting a clearer picture of who will be on the midterm ballots and the direction of the political parties after key primary races were decided in six states. Midwestern voters weighed in on party establishment candidates, insurgencies and a pair of celebrities. In the Southeast, questions surrounding political succession and Trump’s influence remain unresolved. William Brangham reports.
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Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorshipWILLIAM BRANGHAM: Welcome to the "News Hour."
We are getting a clearer picture of who will be on November's ballots and the direction of the country's political parties.
That's after some key primary races were decided in six different states last night.
In the Midwest, voters weighed in on party establishment candidates, insurgencies, and a pair of celebrities.
Meanwhile, in the Southeast, questions surrounding political succession and Trump's influence remain unresolved for now.
The vote count lasted late into the night in Wisconsin, where the Democratic primary for governor turned into a battle over the party's direction.
Milwaukee County executive David Crowley narrowly upset state representative Francesca Hong, a Democratic Socialist who'd led in the polls leading up to Election Day.
DAVID CROWLEY (D), Wisconsin Gubernatorial Candidate: It's not about the establishment versus progressives.
It's about building something bigger than any one campaign.
WILLIAM BRANGHAM: Crowley had dropped out of the race last month before reentering 10 days later with the support of outgoing Democratic Governor Tony Evers.
(CHEERING) WILLIAM BRANGHAM: Before the race was decided, Hong called for supporters to unite.
FRANCESCA HONG (D), Wisconsin Gubernatorial Candidate: No matter who wins this primary, we're going to continue to fight for each other.
We are going to collectively reject despair, and we are going to unite.
WILLIAM BRANGHAM: Crowley will now face the Republican nominee, Congressman Tom Tiffany, this fall.
(CHEERING) WILLIAM BRANGHAM: In neighboring Minnesota, a progressive candidate for Senate notched a big win.
Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan won the Democratic nomination to replace retiring U.S.
Senator Tina Smith, beating moderate Congresswoman Angie Craig by nearly 20 points.
Flanagan overcame a nearly 5-1 fund-raising disadvantage.
LT.
GOV.
PEGGY FLANAGAN (D-MN), Senatorial Candidate: I have been telling You that this campaign was about the many versus the money.
(CHEERING) LT.
GOV.
PEGGY FLANAGAN: Well, guess what?
The many just won.
(CHEERING) WILLIAM BRANGHAM: Flanagan will now face Republican nominee Michele Tafoya, who's a former NFL sideline reporter.
And in South Carolina, a special election to replace the late Senator Lindsey Graham on this November's ballot isn't over yet.
Graham's sister, Darline, was appointed to fill his seat until January and is running to keep it in the family next year.
SEN.
DARLINE GRAHAM (R-SC): I have buried my precious brother.
I have taken on the role of a United States senator.
And I have had this brutal campaign schedule.
And I'm still standing.
If that doesn't tell you I'm a strong person and a fighter, nothing will.
WILLIAM BRANGHAM: Graham has President Trump's backing.
FRANK OWENS, South Carolina Republican Voter: I think I would have gone with Darline either way, but it's always nice that they're able to work with the president.
WILLIAM BRANGHAM: Graham faces conservative Ralph Norman in an August 25 run-off.
REP.
RALPH NORMAN (R-SC), Senatorial Candidate: I asked for the president's endorsement and didn't get it.
But anybody would want the endorsement.
But he chose who he did, and that's fine.
South Carolina is going to decide the next senator.
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