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Or is it just Socialist growing pains?

Covering the Coverage

The media is split on how to read the tea leaves after a night of high-profile Democratic primary defeats for the progressive wing. Mainstream outlets are framing the losses of Francesca Hong in Wisconsin and Josh Elliott in Connecticut as a sigh of relief for establishment Democrats and a repudiation of far-left policies. However, some local and progressive coverage highlights the extremely tight margins in Wisconsin, arguing that the near-miss of a democratic socialist in a critical swing state actually signals undeniable momentum for the left, even in defeat. The absurdist reality? A loss is being simultaneously spun as a “wall” for progressives and a terrifying warning sign for moderates.

• [Mainstream]: [Ongoing] David Crowley wins Democratic primary for Wisconsin governor over progressive Francesca Hong – Associated Press
• [Local]: CT Gov. Ned Lamont defeats Josh Elliott in Democratic primary – CT Mirror
• [Public Media]: Crowley and Hong locked in a tight race as results are reported – PBS Wisconsin
• [Local]: CT Gov. Ned Lamont defeats Josh Elliott in Democratic primary – Connecticut Public
• [Independent]: Wisconsin Democrats choose David Crowley over Francesca Hong’s progressive vision – The 19th

Open Thread…

Today’s Key Primaries

• Wisconsin: A major stress test for the Democratic establishment, fueled by the rise of democratic socialist Francesca Hong in the gubernatorial primary.
• South Carolina: A high-stakes Republican special primary to replace the late Lindsey Graham, where his sister, Senator Darline Graham, is running with the full endorsement of Donald Trump.
• Minnesota: A significant reshuffling to replace departing incumbents, highlighted by a fierce Democratic Senate primary and a crowded Republican gubernatorial race featuring Mike Lindell.
• Connecticut: A classic establishment-versus-insurgent battleground, featuring a liberal primary challenge to sitting Governor Ned Lamont.
• Alabama: A redistricting shakeup featuring special primaries across four newly redrawn congressional maps.
• Vermont: State primaries continuing the broader national tug-of-war between establishment Democrats and progressive challengers.

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The Stakes

The Anti-Vax Lie That Sickens GOP Campaign Pros

The new Trump/RFK Jr. vaccine executive order is an unforced error that can blow up the 2026 electoral map.

The White House is trying to spin their mandate to break up the MMR vaccine and cut standard childhood shots from 18 to 11 as “parental choice.” What it really does is manufacture chaos in pediatrician offices by ordering pharmaceutical products that don’t exist and would take a decade to make.

Read my deep dive at trailmix.cc/substack.

This hands Democrats the ultimate suburban wedge issue right before the midterms. Nearly 80% of the country—including two-thirds of MAGA voters—support school vaccine mandates. Picking this fight isn’t bold. It’s unhinged.

Today on Trail Mix LIve…

A little Mozart for our Sunday morning; to calm the nerves.

Enjoy, Jack