The Democratic primary for governor in Wisconsin has reached a chaotic climax, with voters heading to the polls on Tuesday to decide between democratic socialist Francesca Hong and more moderate Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. The contest, which serves as a marquee battleground race, has captured national attention as the Democratic Party grapples with internal ideological divides.
Francesca Hong and the grassroots army
Francesca Hong, 37, has surged ahead in the final weeks of the campaign, building what supporters describe as a grassroots army.
Her campaign has been defined by hundreds of events across the state, ranging from ramen pop-ups to karaoke nights. In late July, during a 24-hour bike race in Milwaukee’s Riverwest neighborhood, Hong’s presence was marked by campaign merchandise, a scrolling sign declaring “We love Fran,” and a DJ who introduced her as so fresh and so clean.
During the event, Hong participated in the race, danced with supporters, and received a tattoo on her leg to commemorate the occasion.
Mandela Barnes and David Crowley withdrawals
The path to the primary has been marked by significant volatility. The race was narrowed after two other candidates dropped out, including former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, who exited the contest on July 29. Additionally, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley reentered the race on July 18, just 10 days after he had initially dropped out. Crowley’s reentry followed the withdrawal of Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, who ended her candidacy amid a campaign finance scandal. Despite the withdrawals, Barnes and Rodriguez remain on the ballot, and absentee votes already cast for them cannot be undone.
Governor Tony Evers endorsement
Governor Tony Evers, who is not seeking a third term, publicly endorsed Crowley on July 18. Evers and Crowley spent the final days before the election crisscrossing the state. Standing alongside Evers at a campaign stop in Madison on Monday, Crowley told volunteers, I feel like we caught lightning in a bottle. Momentum is just growing and growing and growing.
The primary has drawn scrutiny from national figures, including Donald Trump, who has mocked Hong’s past social media activity, specifically a tweet in which she called for cancelling Thanksgiving. Republicans are reportedly spending money to influence the Democratic primary, operating under the belief that Hong would be a more favorable opponent in the general election. Meanwhile, Rep. Tom Tiffany, an ally of Donald Trump, is all but certain to secure the Republican nomination for governor.
The Wisconsin primary follows a significant result in neighboring Michigan last week, where progressive Abdul El-Sayed won the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate. That victory has energized the left while simultaneously stoking fears among Democratic Party leaders that a shift to the left in battleground states will make it more difficult to win in November. As voters cast their ballots on Tuesday, the Wisconsin primary serves as a test of whether voters in a swing state will side with left-wing candidates and what the outcome could mean for the party’s chances in the general election.
The political landscape remains similarly unpredictable in Minnesota. With Democratic Sen. Tina Smith not running for reelection, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and Rep. Angie Craig are competing for the Democratic nomination for Senate. In the race to replace Gov. Tim Walz, Sen. Amy Klobuchar faces no significant primary opposition. On the Republican side, former sportscaster Michele Tafoya is considered the frontrunner for the Senate nomination, facing retired Navy SEAL Adam Schwarze and former professional basketball player Royce White.
In South Carolina, a special primary election is underway to fill the seat of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham. Ten Republicans are competing for the nomination, and Graham’s sister, Sen. Darline Graham, who was appointed to fill the remainder of the term, is facing nine primary challengers.