Primary takeaways: Dems eye Wis. Sen. Johnson; Vt. looks to break ceiling; Omar survives Minn. squeaker

The August primaries continued Tuesday as Democrats looked to maintain momentum in Wisconsin.

Since 2016, when Donald Trump pierced the state's "blue wall" by defeating Hillary Clinton in the presidential race, Democrats have bounced back, collecting a string of victories: Tony Evers was elected governor, Sen. Tammy Baldwin secured reelection and Joe Biden won in 2020.

Aiming to add to that tally, Democrats nominated Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes in their attempt to unseat Republican Sen. Ron Johnson in a race that could determine who controls the upper chamber next year.

Trump's tug-of-war with other top Republicans continued in the gubernatorial primary, in which he supported Tim Michels, a wealthy pipeline construction executive, against former Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch, who was endorsed by former Vice President Mike Pence.

In Minnesota, one of the six left-wing representatives who declared themselves "the Squad" in Congress had a close contest in the Democratic primary that could rattle liberals who've leaned into efforts to defund police.

Vermont voters will replace longtime Sen. Patrick Leahy, who will retire after serving roughly 50 years. The Green Mountain State could send its first woman to Congress.

Here are the main takeaways from Tuesday's primaries:

Wisconsin Senate showdown

Barnes coasted to victory Tuesday after three of his chief opponents dropped out of the primary in the final weeks of the race.

Once those rivals endorsed Barnes, he launched attacks against Johnson, whom Democrats hope could be one of the few vulnerable GOP incumbents on the 2022 map.

The state’s first Black lieutenant governor, Barnes, 35, wants to be its first Black senator. He has run as a liberal focusing on jobs.

"The days of Ron Johnson and the GOP leaving people behind are over," Barnes tweeted Aug. 9. "Change is coming, and the future will work for working people. We will make sure of it."

Republicans are likely to focus on Barnes' comments in support of grassroots movements that called for defunding police and abolishing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Johnson described Barnes as the "most radical left candidate" in the primary.

"Regardless of how Mandela Barnes and his allies in the mainstream media attempt to paint his views, Wisconsinites should not believe a word they say," the senator said Tuesday.

Johnson's favorability rating dropped to 37% in June, according to the most recent Marquette Law School Poll.

'It happened very quickly': The inside story of how the Wisconsin Senate primary broke for Mandela Barnes

More: Sen. Ron Johnson is poised to win Tuesday's primary. His chances in November look rocky

Once again, Trump vs. Pence

Trump and Pence have been at odds in Republican primaries this year, and their cold war played out again in Wisconsin’s primary.

The two former running mates locked horns over the GOP nominee for governor: Businessman Michels defeated Kleefisch.

Trump has a grudge against the Wisconsin Republican establishment over its lack of enthusiasm in helping him overturn the 2020 election.

The former president endorsed Michels, a construction executive who made his first bid for public office this year.

Kleefisch had the backing of Pence and other prominent Wisconsin GOP leaders, including former Gov. Scott Walker.

Michels will face Democratic incumbent Evers in the fall election.