Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley defeated democratic socialist Francesca Hong in the wide-open Wisconsin governor’s primary, according to Decision Desk HQ projections.
The Democratic Primary Contest and Upsets
The Democratic gubernatorial primary underwent several dramatic shifts before voters went to the ballot box. Crowley briefly dropped out of the race in July, explaining in a debate that he initially suspended his campaign based on data that turned out to be false, prompting his return as a centrist Democrat with Governor Evers’ backing, according to CBS News. Former Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes had also entered the race, but dropped out on July 30 amid local media scrutiny regarding unaddressed allegations, leaving the contest primarily between Crowley and Hong.
Did You Know? Wisconsin is one of only two states in the nation with one Democratic senator and one Republican senator, making its statewide executive races a critical battleground for both political parties, as reported by CBS News.
Francesca Hong, a state lawmaker, former chef, and democratic socialist backed by the Madison and Milwaukee branches of the Democratic Socialists of America, had led Crowley by double digits in Decision Desk HQ polling averages ahead of the election. Hong also drew support from national progressive lawmakers including Representatives Ro Khanna of California and Ilhan Omar of Minnesota. However, her campaign faced intense scrutiny after past social media posts from 2019 to 2021 surfaced, in which she called for defunding the police, abolishing ICE and the U.S. Senate, and remarks regarding a rural Wisconsin Culver’s location and Thanksgiving, details reported by CBS News. Hong later walked back her stance on abolishing the Senate and noted that Thanksgiving is her favorite holiday.
General Election Matchup Against the GOP
Crowley will now face Republican Representative Tom Tiffany on the ballot in November, as Tiffany easily won the GOP primary according to Decision Desk HQ. The general election shapes up as a high-stakes toss-up in a state that President Trump carried in both 2016 and 2024. Crowley has emphasized his background in local government and pledged to act as a unifier for the Badger State as Republicans work to paint Democrats as too extreme for statewide office.
Implications for the Progressive Movement
Hong’s defeat serves as a notable setback for the Democratic Socialists of America, which viewed her candidacy as a crucial test of the progressive movement’s electoral strength outside of traditionally blue urban centers like New York City and Washington, D.C.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial primary?
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley defeated democratic socialist Francesca Hong, according to Decision Desk HQ and CBS News projections.
Who will Crowley face in the November general election?
Crowley will face Republican Representative Tom Tiffany, who easily won the GOP primary.
What key endorsements did David Crowley receive?
Crowley secured the endorsement of retiring two-term Democratic Governor Tony Evers after reentering the race following a brief campaign suspension in July.
How do you think the dynamic between moderate and progressive Democrats will shape the November general election in Wisconsin?
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