Wisconsin Democratic Gubernatorial Hopefuls Present United Progressive Front in Civil Debate
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In a rare display of solidarity, Wisconsin's Democratic gubernatorial candidates focused on advancing progressive tax and education reforms, with front-runner Francesca Hong championing working-class priorities and facing only muted establishment criticism.
The five Democrats vying to lead Wisconsin gathered for their only televised debate on Tuesday, just a week before early voting for the August 11 primary. Despite a crowded field, the candidates set aside personal attacks, instead centering the discussion on transformative policies for working people. Notably, none directly challenged State Rep. Francesca Hong, a proud member of the Democratic Socialists of America and the current front-runner, who has energized the grassroots with her vision for economic and social justice.
Former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes was the sole voice to question Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley for re-entering the race after receiving the endorsement of establishment Democrat Gov. Tony Evers. Barnes criticized the backroom dealings and influence of special interests, saying, "It’s been mentioned that the county executive had his campaign resurrected by special interests in a dark room with people with their thumb on the scale." Crowley, seeking to distance himself from the establishment, emphasized his personal story and declared he is not "here to protect the establishment."
Beyond this brief exchange, the candidates—Barnes, Crowley, State Sen. Kelda Roys, former administration secretary Joel Brennan, and Hong—demonstrated a progressive consensus: lowering regressive property taxes, rolling back the failed school-voucher program that drains public education, and finally taxing the ultra-wealthy with a levy on incomes above $1 million.
Hong, whose unapologetic advocacy for transformative change has inspired many, faced questions about her principled stance on police defunding and envisioning a world without mass incarceration. She clarified, "I do not support the full platform of the national DSA, and I am not endorsed by DSA national. What democratic socialism is is a form of government that puts working-class people first," reiterating her commitment to robust public education, taxing the rich, universal childcare, and affordable housing for all.
Asked about police funding, Hong responded, "No. The governor cannot defund police, and I’m not here to govern by slogan. I’m here to make sure that I am the governor that is most serious about public safety," signaling a pragmatic approach while not abandoning the movement for accountability and justice.
Barnes and Crowley both called for police transparency but stopped short of supporting budget cuts to law enforcement, reflecting the ongoing tension between reform and establishment caution. Barnes, highlighting his lead in a recent Marquette University Law School poll over Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany, warned of establishment efforts to rig the election in favor of their preferred candidate.
Crowley defended his candidacy by citing his local government experience and addressed past social media controversies, focusing instead on delivering "real results for Wisconsinites all over our state."
The debate concluded with all candidates reaffirming a broad, inclusive Democratic vision, united around public safety, education, and fiscal responsibility, as the primary race enters its final stretch.