As the Wisconsin Democratic governor primary approaches its conclusion, it’s important to recognize that the state lacks automatic recounts, making the process costly for a losing candidate unless the race is extremely close.
A candidate trailing in the race can request a recount if the margin is less than 1 percentage point. However, unless the margin is 0.25 points or less, the candidate is responsible for the expenses.
Recounts can be financially demanding. After losing Wisconsin in 2020, President Donald Trump’s campaign faced an estimated $7.9 million cost for a statewide recount. Trump requested a partial recount in two counties, which cost $3 million. The recount confirmed Joe Biden’s victory over Trump. In 2016, Green Party candidate Jill Stein spent nearly $3.5 million on a statewide presidential recount.
A gubernatorial primary recount might be less expensive due to the significantly lower number of votes.
Currently, Democratic socialist Francesca Hong trails David Crowley by fewer than 3,000 votes. At the end of July, Hong had approximately $406,000 in cash on hand, according to recent campaign finance reports, while Crowley had about $463,000, potentially making the cost of a recount prohibitive.
