Wisconsin Democratic Gubernatorial Primary Sees Upset

The recent Democratic gubernatorial primary in Wisconsin resulted in an unexpected defeat for state Rep. Francesca Hong, a Democratic Socialists of America member. Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley claimed victory in the race. The event marks another setback for the left in their ongoing ideological struggle within the party.

Hong, a state lawmaker and former chef from Madison, had hoped to secure the Democratic nomination. She received support from prominent progressives, including Reps. Ilhan Omar and Ro Khanna, but failed to get an endorsement from Sen. Bernie Sanders. Despite backing some progressive policies, Hong’s campaign faced challenges over her previous social media statements about policing and Thanksgiving.

Crowley’s win was supported by retiring Democratic Governor Tony Evers. Evers expressed concerns that a Hong victory might risk Democratic control of the governor’s office. Crowley will now run against Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany, who has President Trump’s backing, in the upcoming general election. This race is seen as a critical opportunity for Republicans to gain control over the governor’s seat.

With Evers not seeking a third term, the Republican nomination offers a crucial choice for Democrats, who have not selected a nominee without an incumbent governor in 16 years. Concerns over the potential for Hong to negatively impact Democrats in other congressional and legislative races were voiced by moderates. Meanwhile, pro-GOP super PACs spent heavily in the primary to support Hong, viewing her as a weaker opponent against Tiffany.

The primary tested Democrats’ preference between progressives and the establishment, with the outcome being closely watched. Hong, who ran on a platform including a significant minimum wage increase and restrictions on building AI data centers, reiterated that while she previously supported defunding the police, her stance has changed in favor of public safety.

As the election moves to the general phase, it remains to be seen how Crowley’s endorsement by Evers and alignment with moderate Democrats will fare against Tiffany’s rightward campaign.