Progressive insurgents Francesca Hong and Abdul El-Sayed are running for statewide office, testing the viability of Bernie Sanders-style populism for the Democratic party. Hong is a candidate for Wisconsin governor, while El-Sayed is Michigan's Democratic nominee for Senate according to the provided text. Their campaigns are seen as crucial indicators for the party's direction in the 2028 presidential election. Many establishment Democrats worry their progressive platforms are too extreme to win general elections. Hong is leading her primary polls, though facing opposition from within her own party. El-Sayed, while embracing the left, avoids the democratic socialist label and has gained some support from party leaders. Both have faced scrutiny and walked back past comments on issues like "defunding the police." Republicans are capitalizing on their progressive stances, portraying them as out of touch. The outcomes of their races could significantly influence future Democratic presidential hopefuls. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is among those closely observing these contests.