As Democratic primary results from Wisconsin and Minnesota come in, a clear division along educational lines becomes evident. Progressive candidates excel in areas with higher education levels, while moderates find more support in regions with fewer college-educated voters.
In Wisconsin, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, endorsed by the establishment, leads by over 11 points in counties where fewer than 20 percent of adults hold college degrees. This is based on a POLITICO analysis of counties with at least 90 percent of results reported by 1 a.m. In areas where 20 to 30 percent of adults are college graduates, Crowley maintains a 5 percent lead.
Conversely, Democratic socialist state Rep. Francesca Hong shows strength in counties with a college-educated population exceeding 30 percent, according to the data.
Nonetheless, Hong’s performance in these well-educated areas lags behind that of progressive public health official Abdul El-Sayed, who recently won the Michigan Democratic Senate primary with strong support from highly educated regions.
If Hong does not secure a win, her inability to significantly outperform in college towns could be a contributing factor.
In Minnesota, the influence of education is also apparent, as progressive Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan builds a substantial statewide lead over Rep. Angie Craig, a moderate. Flanagan is winning across various types of counties, but her strongest results are in areas with a highly educated electorate.
