Wisconsin Democrats face a high-stakes gubernatorial primary on Tuesday, as democratic socialist state lawmaker Francesca Hong leads a primary field against Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, testing party electability and ideological divisions across the battleground state.
Four days ahead of the primary vote, the Democratic Party in Wisconsin finds itself grappling with deep internal friction following the loss of the White House in 2024. The primary ballot pits progressives against establishment-backed candidates in a contest that represents a critical moment for the party’s future direction. Voters across the state are weighing whether to nominate a democratic socialist or align with an executive backed by Governor Tony Evers.
Francesca Hong Holds Primary Lead in State Navigate Poll
Polling released on Friday, August 7, by State Navigate shows Democratic Socialist State Rep. Francesca Hong leading the field with 44 percent support among likely Democratic primary voters. Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley trails 20 percentage points behind in second place. The poll indicates that Hong maintains her lead even within voters holding 414 area codes, which serves as Crowley’s home base. Even if other prominent candidates such as State Sen. Kelda Roys and nonprofit leader Joel Brennan were excluded, the survey still places Hong 21 points ahead of Crowley.
Craig Gilbert, a Marquette Law School Lubar Fellow, highlighted the inherent volatility of primary contests, noting that primary polling is really hard
and carries a much larger margin of error due to uncertainties surrounding open primaries in Wisconsin, where any registered voter can choose which party’s primary ballot to cast.
Governor Tony Evers Campaigns for David Crowley Amid Electability Concerns
Governor Tony Evers made a final campaign stop in Sheboygan to stump for Crowley, whom the governor has officially endorsed to succeed him. Evers voiced frank concerns about whether Hong can successfully defeat the anticipated Republican nominee, Republican Congressman Tom Tiffany. I’m just pleased to have David running,
Evers stated during the final weekend push. You know, it was tough. It was a tough race, but we just have a couple days left, if we don’t get people to vote, this is going to be a very, very sad place to be.
Evers doubled down on his endorsement by praising Crowley’s executive track record, telling voters that he will get things done. He has experiences, experience getting things done. It’s not all this other stuff people are talking about that frankly doesn’t matter.
Crowley’s campaign internal polling released during the final week similarly reflected an 18-point deficit behind Hong, though his numbers have ticked upward following the governor’s endorsement and the departure of Mandela Barnes from the race.
Crowley and Hong Debate Strategy as Outside Spending Mounts
Crowley has sought to counter establishment labels throughout his campaign, emphasizing his roots and community-driven leadership rather than institutional protection. I have never run for office to protect the establishment,
Crowley said. Addressing a recent rally, he urged supporters to look toward the broader general election map, declaring that we can no longer just play defense, we have to get back on offense, y’all. Democrats, we have been responding and reacting so much to Donald Trump and Republicans. They’ve been defining us for us. So, now it’s time to get in the game.
Meanwhile, Hong has faced scrutiny over past social media remarks. Republican outside groups have seized on these statements; the Republican Governors Association’s Wisconsin affiliate has spent more than $3 million on advertisements targeting Hong. While the ads attack her positions—highlighting her opposition to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and federal deportation efforts—some political analysts observe that the messaging effectively functions as promotion among progressive primary voters.
Voter Sentiment and General Election Stakes
Voters across the state are acutely aware of the stakes heading into Tuesday’s contest. Sarah Miller, a software engineer from Madison voting in New Glarus, expressed a focus purely on general election electability against Tom Tiffany, voicing skepticism regarding progressive viability. Conversely, grassroots supporters of Hong reject electability warnings as recycled establishment rhetoric designed to suppress progressive momentum within the party.
Wisconsin Democrats must decide whether to embrace a democratic socialist platform or unify behind a conventional executive resume as they prepare for the November general election.
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