Democratic socialists’ battleground test: From the Politics Desk

From the Politics DeskDemocratic socialists’ battleground test: From the Politics DeskPlus, Pete Buttigieg is back on the campaign trail. And digging into Michael Whatley’s bio in the North Carolina Senate race. Listen to this article with a free profile00:0000:00Add NBC News to GoogleKornacki: Democratic socialist movement has ‘limits’ despite Mamdani-backed candidates’ wins16:17Get more newsLiveonShareAdd NBC News to GoogleJune 25, 2026, 5:00 PM EDTBy The Politics DeskWelcome to From the Politics Desk, a daily newsletter that brings you the NBC News Politics team’s latest reporting and analysis from the White House, Capitol Hill and the campaign trail.Limited time: Save 25% on NBC News subscriptionGet exclusive reporting, live Q&As and ad-free reading.In today’s edition, Adam Edelman explains why Wisconsin is set to serve as a major test of the extent of democratic socialists’ newfound clout. Plus, Matt Dixon digs into North Carolina Senate candidate Michael Whatley’s ties to the state. Sign up to receive this newsletter in your inbox every weekday here.— Adam WollnerRiding primary momentum, democratic socialists eye a battleground state breakthroughBy Adam EdelmanAfter a string of primary successes this month in deep-blue corners of the country, democratic socialists will face a major test on whether their appeal can translate to a battleground state later this summer.In Wisconsin, a lengthy list of Democrats are competing to be the next governor, including Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, who serves alongside retiring Gov. Tony Evers, and former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, who narrowly lost the 2022 Senate race in the state.But it’s been another candidate — state Rep. Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist — who has unexpectedly seen a surge of momentum in recent weeks in a field that lacks a clear front-runner. Hong has been at the top of the limited public polling ahead of the August primary and placed second this month in a straw poll at the Wisconsin Democratic Par...