With Wisconsin’s Aug. 11 primary election approaching, five Democratic candidates for governor gathered on Tuesday, July 28, for their first and only televised debate Jsonline in Milwaukee. The hourlong forum, held at Marquette University’s Weasler Auditorium without a live in-person audience, featured state Representative Francesca Hong, former Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, Kelda Roys, and former Department of Administration secretary Joel Brennan.
Five Democratic Candidates for Wisconsin Governor Meet in Sole Televised Debate
The debate aired on WISN 12 and was scheduled to broadcast on local ABC affiliate stations across the state, including WBAY in Green Bay, WKOW in Madison, WAOW in Wausau, WQOW in Eau Claire, and WXOW in La Crosse, while also streaming online. The event coincided with the opening day of early, in-person absentee voting across Wisconsin local election clerks’ offices, according to upnorthnewswi.com.
Policy Disagreements and Police Funding Stances
Throughout the evening, the candidates largely avoided direct attacks against one another, though a notable portion of the discussion centered on public safety and police funding according to NBC News. Moderators questioned Hong, a democratic socialist representing Madison who has faced past criticism for previous remarks calling to defund and abolish the police, about whether she would sign a state budget cutting police funding. Hong replied, No.
Hong added during the exchange, The governor cannot defund police, and I’m not here to govern by slogan.
WSAW reported that all five candidates ultimately stated they would not sign a state budget that defunded police.
Candidates also addressed the expansion of data centers in the state, following a recent Marquette Law School poll indicating that more than three-quarters of Wisconsinites believe the costs of data centers outweigh their benefits. While Hong has called for a moratorium on AI data centers, Brennan proposed putting a pause on construction during the first 100 days to ensure ratepayers do not shoulder the costs. Crowley emphasized holding data centers accountable for energy use, grid upgrades, and bringing clean energy.
Tensions Emerge Over Primary Shifts and Electability
The sole tense exchange of the evening occurred between Barnes and Crowley regarding the volatile primary timeline. Crowley previously dropped out of the race on July 8 before re-entering on July 17 with the endorsement of outgoing Governor Tony Evers, following the abrupt exit of Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez amid a campaign finance scandal.
Barnes criticized Crowley’s reentry, stating, It’s been mentioned that the county executive had his campaign resurrected by special interests in a dark room with people with their thumb on the scale.
Barnes also emphasized his statewide electability, noting in his closing statement that he was the only candidate onstage who had previously won a statewide race and pointing to a poll showing him leading potential Republican opponent Tom Tiffany.
General Election Stakes and Voter Sentiment
The Democratic nominee will likely face Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany in the Nov. 3 general election. Tiffany represents northern Wisconsin in Congress and has secured the endorsement of President Donald Trump and the Republican Party of Wisconsin, while facing a primary challenger, Andy Manske.
The debate highlighted a broader strategic dilemma for Wisconsin Democrats. While supporters like early voter Ian Anderson praised Hong as exactly the burst of energy we need,
other voters expressed concern that her progressive platform could hinder the party’s general election prospects in the swing state, with some warning they would shift their vote to Republicans if she secures the nomination.
Worth a look