In a closely watched election, state Rep. Francesca Hong faced defeat in Wisconsin’s Democratic gubernatorial primary. The competition was fierce between Hong, a progressive candidate, and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. Despite early polls suggesting Hong had a significant lead, Crowley emerged victorious by a slim margin.
The primary was significant as a test of whether Wisconsin Democrats would lean towards a progressive or establishment candidate in the upcoming general election. Concerns over Hong’s “electability” played a key role in Crowley’s win. Voters expressed doubts about whether Hong’s progressive views could secure a victory in the November election.
Retiring Democratic Gov. Tony Evers supported Crowley, emphasizing that Hong’s candidacy might risk Democratic control of the governor’s office. Hong’s radical stances, such as the abolition of the U.S. Senate and controversial opinions regarding the police, raised alarms among voters in this traditional swing state.
Madison native Linda Pullman, among others, supported Crowley out of concern for the party’s chances in November. Even those who favored Hong admitted worries about her past comments affecting the general election outcome.
Crowley will compete against Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany, a member of the House Freedom Caucus and ally of Donald Trump, in the upcoming election. This race is crucial for Republicans aiming to gain gubernatorial seats across the nation.
While Hong’s campaign garnered support from recognized progressives like Reps. Ilhan Omar and Ro Khanna, some significant figures such as Sen. Bernie Sanders refrained from endorsing. Questions regarding her statewide appeal persisted among voters, further influenced by her stance on contentious issues.
This primary highlights the division within the Democratic Party in terms of policy direction and voter mobilization ahead of the general election.
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