Socialist fever breaks: Takeaways from Crowley's win

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley narrowly defeated socialist Francesca Hong by about 3,000 votes, dealing a blow to the progressive left's momentum Tuesday in Wisconsin's Democratic primary for governor, after his own polling indicated he was behind by nearly 20 points.

Why it matters: Crowley's win could breathe new life into a center-left that had been losing primary after primary in recent months, from last week's Senate contest in Michigan to House races across the country .

Yes, but: The day wasn't a total loss for progressives.

In the day's other big ideological showdown between Democrats, Minnesota Lt.

Gov.

Peggy Flanagan, a progressive, defeated moderate Rep.

Angie Craig in Minnesota's Senate primary by 20 points.

Flanagan will face GOP nominee Michele Tafoya, a former NFL TV reporter, in November.

Democrats also nominated progressive Matt Little to replace Craig in Congress.

Results from other closely watched races Tuesday: In South Carolina, Trump-endorsed Sen.

Darline Graham, who replaced her brother Lindsey Graham after his death last month, advanced to an Aug.

25 GOP runoff against Rep.

Ralph Norman for a full six-year term.

Minnesota Sen.