The Democratic primary for Wisconsin’s governor was a close contest, with State Rep. Francesca Hong and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley only a few hundred votes apart. NBC News’ Decision Desk indicated that the race was too close to call early Wednesday morning. This competitive race surprised many Democrats, showing deep divides within different factions of the party.
Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist from Madison, started her campaign relatively unknown. Her momentum grew as she secured a significant lead in public polls, catching national attention in Wisconsin, a key battleground state. However, her past controversial positions raised concerns among Democrats about her ability to win in the general election.
David Crowley faced challenges early in his campaign, initially stepping down before re-entering the race with an endorsement from outgoing Democratic Governor Tony Evers. Evers, having decided not to run for a third term, supported Crowley as the most electable candidate, actively campaigning across the state on his behalf.
Outside groups backing Crowley amplified Evers’ endorsement with TV ads, targeting undecided voters. Some voters, like Alli Plummer from Madison, were swayed, voting for Crowley due to his perceived ability to defeat Tom Tiffany in the general election. The divided opinions were evident as Shawn Bass of Madison voted for Hong, appreciating her stance on universal healthcare and childcare.
The primary saw significant shifts with Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez and former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes exiting the race. These candidates, together with others, accounted for 20% of the votes. State Sen. Kelda Roys garnered nearly 8% support statewide and 11% in Dane County, a critical liberal area.
In Wisconsin, candidates can request a recount if the margin is less than 1%. The state covers costs if the margin is 0.25% or less; otherwise, the candidate pays. The winner will run against Rep. Tom Tiffany, who secured the Republican nomination. Tiffany criticized Hong’s policies on Fox News, framing his platform as protective of Wisconsin’s lifestyle.
Wisconsin’s political landscape continues to evolve with these developments. The outcome of the primary will influence the state’s direction as candidates challenge existing norms and policies.