In a closely contested Wisconsin governor’s primary, David Crowley, who was backed by the party establishment, edged out democratic socialist Francesca Hong early Wednesday morning. This victory is notable for party leaders following a tumultuous campaign marked by debates on electability and voter unease.
Crowley, serving as the Milwaukee County Executive, coordinated with retiring Governor Tony Evers in a final push to cast Hong as excessively radical for a key state that saw President Donald Trump narrowly win by just under 30,000 votes in 2024.
This outcome represents a dramatic shift in the race dynamics. Crowley had halted his campaign in early July, returning to the race weeks later after Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez exited due to a campaign finance scandal. Additionally, Mandela Barnes, a former Lt. Gov. of Wisconsin, withdrew his candidacy in late July.
In the upcoming November election, Crowley will contend with GOP Rep. Tom Tiffany, who has the backing of Trump.
Crowley articulated his vision in a recent POLITICO interview, stating, “When we think about this state and how we move forward, we need someone who’s not just going to fight back, but … who can also sit at the negotiating table and be able to work with folks who want to deliver for those that we represent.”
This result is a significant setback for progressives, who hoped a victory for Hong would prove the movement’s strength in swing states and set the stage for a progressive candidate in the 2028 presidential race.
Hong mentioned in a recent interview her willingness to support Crowley in his campaign if he secured the nomination.
