Wisconsin is emerging as a critical battleground for President Joe Biden and the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, amid escalated tensions over the handling of the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The state’s symbolic primary election has been overshadowed by the recent killing of aid workers in Gaza, including an American citizen, drawing increased scrutiny to the U.S. government’s stance on the ongoing war.

The incident in Gaza has amplified calls within Wisconsin for a ceasefire, with some voters being urged to cast “uninstructed” ballots as a form of protest against Biden’s policies. Israeli authorities have described the attack on aid workers as unintentional, sparking demands for a detailed investigation into the matter.

Amid these international concerns, local political debates are also heating up. Wisconsin Democrats are currently opposing Republican-led proposals that question the integrity of the election process, echoing former President Donald Trump’s disputed claims of electoral fraud. These issues, combined with the conflict in Gaza, are testing the unity and organizational capabilities of the left in Wisconsin.

In the backdrop of these developments, Trump is planning a fundraising event in Florida, aiming to challenge Biden’s fundraising prowess. This sets a competitive stage for both parties in the lead-up to the next election cycle.

Furthermore, a campaign named “Listen to Wisconsin” is gaining traction, reflecting a broader divide among union members and the labor movement regarding President Biden’s handling of both the Gaza war and domestic policies. Inspired by a similar rejection in Michigan, Wisconsin’s campaign is spearheaded by trade unionists, low-wage workers, and immigrants, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and critiquing Biden’s immigration policies.

Though major U.S. unions have not officially endorsed the protest vote against Biden, the movement’s momentum indicates a significant undercurrent of dissatisfaction. With grassroots efforts focusing on issues critical to workers and immigrants, the campaign aims to hold Biden accountable and push for a more decisive stance on matters affecting both international relations and domestic policies.