Wisconsin Democratic Gubernatorial Primary: Socialist Hong Narrowly Defeated by Establishment Candidate Crowley
In Wisconsin's Democratic gubernatorial primary, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley narrowly defeated socialist state Rep. Francesca Hong by about 3,000 votes (39.8% to 39.4%), defying polls that had Hong as the front-runner. The establishment, including outgoing Gov. Tony Evers, campaigned heavily against Hong, citing her past calls to defund the police and "cancel Thanksgiving" remarks as unelectable against Republican nominee Tom Tiffany. Hong lacked endorsements from prominent progressives like AOC and Bernie Sanders. Crowley now faces Tiffany in the general election.
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DSA's Mixed Primary Results: Strategist Analyzes Wins and Losses
Progressive candidates in major swing state primaries have seen mixed results over the past two weeks. In Michigan, Abdul El-Sayed defeated establishment candidate Congresswoman Haley Stevens in the Democratic Senate primary. However, in Wisconsin, democratic socialist state Rep. Francesca Hong narrowly lost the gubernatorial primary to more moderate candidate Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. Republican strategist and Executive Director of Principles First Brittany Martinez discussed the implications for both parties on Forbes Newsroom, offering analysis on what these outcomes mean for the Democratic Party's internal dynamics and general election prospects.
Read sourceFrancesca Hong: 'Our Movement Is Strong, and the Work Isn't Done'
The article analyzes the Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial primary, where state Representative Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist, narrowly lost to Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley by about 3,000 votes. Hong received over 312,000 votes, nearly 90,000 more than Governor Tony Evers won in his 2018 primary. Despite being outspent and opposed by the sitting governor, Hong's strong performance is framed as a sign of a growing progressive movement rather than a defeat. The piece draws historical parallels to Wisconsin progressives Robert La Follette and William Proxmire, who lost multiple races before winning. Hong expressed gratitude and confidence in the movement's future, while national media portrayed the result as a setback for the left. The article argues that the near-tie in a swing state primary demonstrates the potential of a new kind of politics.
Read sourceFrancesca Hong: 'Our Movement Is Strong, and the Work Isn't Done'
Democratic socialist Francesca Hong narrowly lost the Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial primary to Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley by just over 3,000 votes, despite receiving approximately 312,000 votes—the highest total for a Democrat in a seriously contested primary in the state. Hong, a little-known state legislator with limited funding, faced opposition from outgoing Governor Tony Evers and a national media narrative framing her loss as a setback for the left. In her concession, Hong emphasized that her campaign was about building a movement to put working people first, not just winning an election. The article argues that the close result, in a swing state, demonstrates the growing strength of progressive politics rather than its limits, drawing historical comparisons to Wisconsin progressive figures Robert La Follette and William Proxmire.
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Democratic moderates get a surprising reprieve in Wisconsin
In Wisconsin's Democratic primary for governor on August 11th, 2026, moderate candidate David Crowley narrowly defeated socialist insurgent Francesca Hong, giving the party a reprieve from a potential left-wing takeover in a crucial swing state. Voters like retired social worker Sabley Sabin, who preferred Hong ideologically, cast strategic ballots for Crowley, believing he has a better chance to build a winning coalition in the general election. The outcome highlights the ongoing tension between the party's moderate and progressive wings, with moderates prevailing in this key contest.
Read sourceDemocratic moderates get a surprising reprieve in Wisconsin
In Wisconsin's Democratic primary for governor, moderate candidate David Crowley narrowly defeated socialist insurgent Francesca Hong, providing a reprieve for the party's centrist wing. The article highlights the strategic dilemma faced by voters like retired social worker Sabley Sabin, who preferred Hong but voted for Crowley, believing he has a better chance to build a winning coalition in the crucial swing state. The outcome suggests that Democratic moderates have dodged a socialist insurgency, at least for now, in a key battleground for the 2026 midterm elections.
Read sourceDemocratic moderates get a surprising reprieve in Wisconsin
In Wisconsin's Democratic primary for governor, moderate candidate David Crowley narrowly defeated socialist insurgent Francesca Hong, providing a reprieve for the party's centrist wing. The race was seen as a test of the Democratic Socialists of America's rising influence. Voters like retired social worker Sabley Sabin, who preferred Hong's policies, voted for Crowley out of pragmatism, believing he has a better chance to build a winning coalition in the crucial swing state. The outcome suggests that while socialist energy is growing, Democratic primary voters in Wisconsin still prioritize electability in the general election.
Read sourceFrancesca Hong's Defeat in Wisconsin Signals Shift in Democratic Primary Dynamics
Democratic socialist state legislator Francesca Hong narrowly lost the Wisconsin gubernatorial primary to Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, a defeat that analysts say highlights the challenges progressive candidates face in statewide races outside deep-blue districts. Hong, a former restaurant owner and Korean-American, had built a progressive platform including union expansion and a moratorium on data centers. However, she struggled with media appearances and past controversial tweets. Governor Tony Evers actively campaigned against her, warning she was unelectable against Republicans. The race saw high Democratic turnout, but the left's top figures like Ocasio-Cortez and Sanders did not endorse Hong. The outcome contrasts with left-wing victories in New York City and Denver congressional primaries and Abdul El-Sayed's narrow win in Michigan's Senate primary, suggesting a mixed result for the progressive movement in 2024.
Read sourceWhy Polls Got Wisconsin Governor's Race Wrong After Socialist Francesca Hong Loses
Socialist Francesca Hong was heavily favored to win the Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial primary, with Kalshi betting odds giving her over a 95% chance of victory. However, she narrowly lost to Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley by 0.4 percentage points. Polling failures were attributed to several major last-minute developments: Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes dropped out on July 30, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley re-entered the race on July 18 after a 10-day hiatus, and Hong's controversial 2021 social media posts about canceling Thanksgiving became national news in early August. Marquette Law polls showed Hong leading but with a large undecided share (34-45%) and small sample sizes. A later State Navigate poll (Aug. 3-6) showed Hong at 44% and Crowley at 22%, but underestimated Crowley's final support. Hong had progressive endorsements from Reps. Ro Khanna and Ilhan Omar, while Crowley was endorsed by retiring Gov. Tony Evers.
Read sourceDavid Crowley Wins Wisconsin Democratic Gubernatorial Primary
In the Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial primary, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley defeated state assemblywoman Francesca Hong, a Democratic Socialist who was initially considered the front-runner. The primary was opened after two-term Democratic Governor Tony Evers declined to seek reelection. Hong had been endorsed by national progressive figures like Ro Khanna and Ilhan Omar but faced scrutiny over past social-media posts advocating police abolition and canceling Thanksgiving. Her main challenger, former Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes, dropped out in late July citing Hong's insurmountable lead, prompting Crowley to relaunch his campaign with an endorsement from Governor Evers. On the Republican side, MAGA candidate Tom Tiffany, endorsed by Donald Trump, secured the nomination. The general election will take place in a purple state that President Trump won by less than a percentage point in 2024.
David Crowley Wins Wisconsin Democratic Gubernatorial Primary
In Wisconsin's competitive gubernatorial primary, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley defeated state Representative Francesca Hong, a Democratic Socialist who was initially considered the front-runner. Hong had received support from national progressive figures like Ro Khanna and Ilhan Omar but faced controversy over past social media posts advocating defunding the police and canceling Thanksgiving. Her main challenger, former Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes, dropped out in late July citing polls showing Hong's lead was insurmountable. Crowley quickly restarted his campaign and secured an endorsement from outgoing Governor Tony Evers, who declined to seek re-election. On the Republican side, Trump-backed MAGA candidate Tom Tiffany has secured the nomination. Wisconsin is a key swing state that Trump won by less than one percentage point in 2024.
Read sourceSocialist Francesca Hong Narrowly Loses Wisconsin Gubernatorial Primary After 'Cancel Thanksgiving' Controversy
In the Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial primary, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley narrowly defeated socialist state Rep. Francesca Hong, securing 39.8% of the vote to Hong's 39.4%, a margin of about 3,000 votes. The result surprised pollsters and bettors, who had favored Hong. The race was marked by Hong's controversial past comments calling to 'cancel Thanksgiving,' which she later reversed, and a lack of endorsements from prominent progressives like AOC and Bernie Sanders. Crowley, endorsed by retiring Gov. Tony Evers, will face Republican nominee Rep. Tom Tiffany in the general election. The primary is part of a broader pattern of progressive victories in other states, but also highlights Democratic concerns about electability in swing states.
Read sourceSome Progressives Avoid Francesca Hong Amid Turbulent Primary Season
Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial candidate Francesca Hong is favored to win the primary with 95.5% odds according to Kalshi, but faces reluctance from prominent progressives like AOC, Bernie Sanders, and Elizabeth Warren who have not endorsed her. Warren stated 'I don't know her,' while Sanders said he was 'not that familiar' with the race. Some Democrats worry Hong may be too liberal to beat Republican nominee Tom Tiffany in the general election. Governor Tony Evers, who endorsed her opponent, expressed doubt about her general election viability. Republicans appear to view Hong as a weaker candidate, with an RGA-linked ad highlighting her liberal positions. Progressive Reps. Ilhan Omar and Ro Khanna have endorsed Hong. Polls show Hong trailing Tiffany by three points in a general election matchup.
Wisconsin Democratic Primary for Governor Ends Amid Socialist Candidate Controversy
The Democratic primary race for governor in Wisconsin has concluded, marked by a contentious battle between moderate Democrats and democratic socialist candidate Francesca Hong. Multiple news outlets report that moderate Democrats are scrambling to block Hong from winning the nomination, fearing her radical policies could help Republicans in the general election. The New York Times and The Guardian explore whether voters will view Hong as too radical, while Time Magazine highlights the efforts to stop her. Republican Representative Tom Tiffany has publicly stated that Republicans should not cross over to vote for Hong in the primary, indicating strategic concerns. The race has been described as a roller coaster, ending with high stakes for both parties.
Read sourceWisconsin Democrats' gubernatorial primary is an all-out fight over electability
The Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial primary has become a heated battle over electability, with progressive state Rep. Francesca Hong emerging as the front-runner against establishment-backed Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. Hong, a democratic socialist and former chef, has built a populist campaign focused on cost-of-living concerns, but faces criticism over controversial past social media posts advocating for defunding the police and criticizing Thanksgiving. Crowley, supported by outgoing Gov. Tony Evers, warns that Hong's nomination could hand the governor's mansion to Republican Tom Tiffany, a hard-right House Freedom Caucus member backed by Donald Trump. Despite being outspent and lacking TV ads, Hong has maintained wide leads in public polling. The primary, set for Tuesday, will test whether voters prioritize bold progressive change or perceived electability in a crucial battleground state that Trump won by just 30,000 votes in 2024.
Wisconsin Democratic Establishment Races to Stop Socialist Candidate Francesca Hong in Primary
In Wisconsin's Democratic gubernatorial primary, state Rep. Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist and former chef, has emerged as the front-runner, alarming the party establishment. Outgoing Gov. Tony Evers and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley are campaigning heavily against Hong, warning that her progressive positions—including past calls to defund the police and controversial remarks about Thanksgiving—make her unelectable against hard-right Republican nominee Tom Tiffany in November. Hong argues that voters are tired of establishment politics and that she can build a broad coalition. Despite a fundraising disadvantage and no TV ads, Hong has maintained wide leads in public polling. The primary is set for Tuesday, with both sides focusing on electability in this crucial battleground state.