Francesca Hong didn’t win Wisconsin’s Democratic primary for governor. But her near-win should still worry Americans: Democratic Socialists of America candidates are now within striking distance of controlling one of the most powerful offices in state government.

Governor’s races don’t get the attention they deserve, even though 36 states, including Wisconsin, are electing one this November. Socialists just came within arm’s reach of a governor’s mansion — a position with vast influence over the daily lives of 5.9 million Wisconsinites.