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David Crowley wins Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial primary
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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.
Source report
Democratic Primary
Tony Evers, Wisconsin's two-term Democratic governor, declined to seek re-election, setting up a competitive race in a purple state that President Trump won in 2024 by less than a percentage point.
In the Democratic primary, state assemblywoman Francesca Hong, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, was defeated by David Crowley, the Milwaukee county executive. Crowley had previously suspended his campaign before relaunching it.
Hong had been endorsed by several national progressive figures, including Representatives Ro Khanna and Ilhan Omar. She also faced national scrutiny over past social-media posts in which she advocated abolishing the police and cancelling Thanksgiving, which she accused of "celebrating colonialism." Hong has since walked back her position on defunding the police and has said that Thanksgiving is her "favorite holiday."
Initially, Hong's main challenger was Mandela Barnes, the former lieutenant governor. However, Barnes dropped out of the race in late July, citing polls that suggested Hong's lead was insurmountable. Crowley quickly relaunched his campaign and announced that he had received an endorsement from Governor Evers.
Republican Primary
On the Republican side, Tom Tiffany, a MAGA Republican endorsed by Donald Trump, has secured the nomination.
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Wisconsin Democratic Gubernatorial Primary: Socialist Hong Narrowly Defeated by Establishment Candidate Crowley