Francesca Hong Surges Ahead in Democratic Primary, Signaling Progressive Momentum in Wisconsin
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A new Marquette University Law School poll reveals Francesca Hong, a champion for working people and marginalized communities, leading the Democratic primary for Wisconsin governor. Despite establishment figures like Mandela Barnes and David Crowley, Hong’s grassroots campaign resonates, though many voters remain undecided.
Francesca Hong has expanded her commanding lead among Democratic primary voters for Wisconsin governor, according to a Marquette University Law School poll conducted July 22-27. The poll of 407 registered Democrats found 38% supporting Hong, a progressive advocate for social and economic justice, compared to 16% for former lieutenant governor Mandela Barnes and just 7% for Milwaukee County executive David Crowley, both of whom have closer ties to the party establishment. A significant 34% of respondents remain undecided, highlighting the ongoing struggle within the party to energize and mobilize its base.
When factoring in voters’ leanings, Hong’s support grows to 46%, while Barnes and Crowley lag behind at 21% and 11% respectively, with 14% still uncommitted. Poll director Charles Franklin noted that including leaners is a decent predictor of the final outcome, but stressed these voters are not yet fully committed to any candidate.
Barnes, a more centrist figure, emerged as the top second-choice candidate, with 20% of voters naming him as their backup, while Crowley and Kelda Roys received 13% and 12% respectively. This reflects the establishment’s lingering influence, but also the hunger for genuine progressive change.
The poll, with a margin of error of ±6.6 points, did not account for any shifts following the only televised debate on July 28. It also did not include head-to-head matchups with Republican front-runner Tom Tiffany, though previous data showed Hong trailing Tiffany by three points—a gap that could close as progressive enthusiasm builds.
Governor Tony Evers’ endorsement of Crowley was known to 62% of Democratic respondents, but 56% said it did not influence their vote, underscoring the limited power of establishment endorsements in the face of grassroots momentum. Franklin observed that while Evers remains popular, voters are seeking authentic leadership over party dictates.
Age-group analysis revealed Hong’s powerful appeal among young voters: 66% of those aged 18-29 support her, with only 22% undecided. Barnes, meanwhile, performed better with older voters, but 46% of those 60 and older remain undecided, indicating a generational divide in the party.
Franklin concluded that while Hong’s lead is significant, the race is still “fairly tight.” The large share of undecided voters, especially among older demographics, could ultimately determine whether the party embraces a truly progressive future.