Moderate Democrat David Crowley has emerged as the victor in the tightly contested Democratic primary for Wisconsin governor. CBS News projects his triumph over Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist previously considered the frontrunner. Crowley will now prepare to face Republican Representative Tom Tiffany in the upcoming November election.
Crowley’s journey to this victory was not without challenges. He briefly suspended his campaign in July but managed to rally support, including from two-term Democratic Governor Tony Evers. In contrast, Hong faced negative press regarding her old social media posts, which played a significant role in reshaping the race dynamics.
This outcome notably contrasts with recent trends of progressive wins in Democratic primaries within states like Michigan, New York, and Colorado.
“This is a significant shift for the party,” remarked a political analyst. “Crowley’s win indicates a preference for centrist ideologies in Wisconsin, despite the growing progressive influence elsewhere.”
The governor’s position in Wisconsin holds substantial importance for both political parties. With Tony Evers opting not to run for reelection and President Trump’s narrow win in the state by under one percentage point in 2024, the governor’s race garners increased national attention. Wisconsin also stands out as a state with representatives from both parties in its Senate.
The Democratic primary initially featured notable contenders such as former Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes, who narrowly lost the 2022 Senate race, and Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez. However, the landscape shifted dramatically when financial constraints led Rodriguez to exit the race. Barnes, once a surprise progressive victor in the 2022 Senate primary, later withdrew his candidacy amidst a backdrop of allegations.
With Barnes out, Crowley’s re-entry into the race as a centrist became pivotal. He cited flawed initial campaign data as the reason for his temporary withdrawal. Upon realizing the error, Crowley decided to resume campaigning.
The primary spotlight then predominantly turned to Crowley and Hong. Hong’s past social media comments, where she expressed controversial views on policing, immigration, and cultural issues, attracted significant attention. Although she later adjusted some of her positions, these revelations had already impacted her campaign.
As the November elections approach, Wisconsin’s political landscape remains in focus, with Crowley’s primary victory marking a key moment in the state’s gubernatorial race.