Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial primary: Progressive Hong vs establishment Crowley

Francesca Hong says she can appeal to a wide coalition in November. Her detractors worry the democratic socialist will lose the crucial battleground race.

By Irie Sentner and Meredith Lee Hill 08/09/2026 11:02 AM EDT

KENOSHA, Wisconsin — The progressive movement's midterms march has arrived in Wisconsin, where a democratic socialist is forcing establishment Democrats to mount an all-out, last-ditch effort to stop her.

State Rep. Francesca Hong is the front-runner to become the Democratic gubernatorial nominee, fueled by a populist campaign tapping into voters' cost of living concerns. David Crowley, the Milwaukee County Executive backed by outgoing Gov. Tony Evers, has emerged as the top candidate trying to cut off Hong's bid.

Ahead of Tuesday's primary, electability was top of mind for voters and both candidates as they raced to prove they could build the widest, strongest coalition against presumptive Republican nominee Tom Tiffany.

Crowley and Evers have been barnstorming the swing state over the past week, warning a vote for Hong risks losing the governor's mansion in November to Tiffany, a hard-right member of the House Freedom Caucus backed by President Donald Trump.

"You know, it's the only time that I know that the governor — Tony Evers — the Republican Governors Association and Turning Point USA have ever been on the same page: in thinking that Francesca Hong is the best candidate to lose this race." — David Crowley, in an interview at a local tavern in Sheboygan on Friday

Hong rejects those warnings. Speaking to voters at events across the state, Hong argues Democratic voters are fed up with the establishment ahead of November — and that she can appeal to a wide array of Democrats, Republicans and people who don't feel represented by either party.

"We have to take this moment, a movement moment, and be bold with transformative change, and build the actual big tent that we can and we must be as Democrats." — Francesca Hong, speaking to a crowd of about 50 people at a senior community center in deep-red Siren

A Rapid Rise Amid Scrutiny

Hong, a 37-year-old former chef and single mother who represents the bluest district in the state assembly, has charted a remarkably rapid rise in a purple state that Trump won by just shy of 30,000 votes in 2024. She launched her campaign as a long shot, with far less name recognition than other Democrats in the race like Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez and former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes. Both of them have since dropped out of the race.

Despite being at a consistent fundraising disadvantage — Hong still has not put out a single television ad — the progressive has maintained wide leads in public polling.

Controversial Past Posts and Media Scrutiny

Hong's campaign has also faced intense scrutiny over a string of controversial past social media posts, including advocating for defunding the police and railing against Thanksgiving. She was later slammed for being unable to give a straightforward answer to CNN about whether she would "cancel Thanksgiving."

Following those missteps, Hong's team has clamped down on her interactions with both local and national media at campaign events in the final stretch. She has also moderated some of her past positions in public remarks, emphasizing repeatedly that she is "serious about public safety" and even attempting to eschew some of her anti-establishment rhetoric.