Before the election night, surveys indicated Francesca Hong, a Democratic candidate and democratic socialist, was ahead in the race against her more traditional rival. Despite predictions, Hong faced an unexpected defeat in Wisconsin’s Democratic primary for governor. This marks the second consecutive week a progressive Democrat has seen a substantial polling advantage disappear at the polls.
Hong, who serves as a state representative, faced off in a crowded field. Polls conducted in the preceding weeks showed her leading by margins ranging from 18 to 36 percentage points. However, on Tuesday, she lost to Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley by a narrow margin of 0.5 percentage points.