The recent Wisconsin gubernatorial primary provided a crucial moment in the ongoing debate between progressive and establishment wings within the Democratic Party. State Rep. Francesca Hong, a Democratic Socialists of America member, was unsuccessful in her bid for the nomination. She was defeated by Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, as confirmed by the Associated Press.
Crowley, backed by retiring Democratic Governor Tony Evers, is set to compete against Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany in the general election. Tiffany is a House Freedom Caucus member with support from President Donald Trump. The gubernatorial race represents a significant opportunity for Republicans to regain control of the governor’s office.
Evers announced he would not seek a third term, creating a rare opportunity for Democrats in Wisconsin to choose a new nominee without an incumbent in the race. The primary was closely monitored to determine if Wisconsin Democrats leaned towards the party’s progressive or establishment factions, with implications for the upcoming general election.
Hong, a 37-year-old former chef, proposed policies like guaranteed paid leave and increasing the state’s minimum wage to $20 per hour. Her campaign also called for a one-year moratorium on building AI data centers in Wisconsin. She faced criticism for past social media comments advocating defunding and abolishing the police, positions she has since retracted. Hong stated she is now committed to public safety.
One of Hong’s previous social media posts suggested canceling Thanksgiving to avoid celebrating colonialism, a statement she has since walked back. She now describes Thanksgiving as her favorite holiday, noting that she has learned and evolved since those comments.
The Democratic primary dynamics shifted as Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez and former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes left the race in the summer. Crowley had initially suspended his campaign to support Rodriguez but re-entered, gaining backing from Evers.
Some moderate Democrats expressed concern that Hong’s nomination could harm Democratic chances in key congressional and legislative races. Meanwhile, pro-GOP super PACs spent heavily in Hong’s favor during the primary, hoping to face what they perceived as a weaker Democratic candidate in the general election.
Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany has emphasized his campaign’s role in countering socialism in Wisconsin. Hong, addressing concerns about her electability, stated her focus remains on engaging with voters up until the polls close, trusting that voters will decide the most suitable candidate for the role.