Democratic Socialist Francesca Hong Surges Ahead in Wisconsin Governor Primary, Defying Establishment Resistance
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State Assemblywoman Francesca Hong, a proud democratic socialist, leads Wisconsin's Democratic gubernatorial primary as the party establishment scrambles to halt her grassroots momentum, while Republicans resort to red-baiting tactics.
State Assemblywoman Francesca Hong, a 37-year-old Madison progressive and outspoken democratic socialist, has surged to the forefront of Wisconsin's Democratic primary for governor, scheduled for Aug. 11. Recent polls from late July show her commanding approximately 38% support among Democratic voters, far outpacing establishment-backed former lieutenant governor Mandela Barnes and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who re-entered the race after previously bowing out under pressure.
Hong’s principled campaign has forced her opponents out of the contest in recent weeks. Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez was compelled to leave the race following a campaign-finance controversy, and Barnes withdrew on Thursday, unable to match Hong’s grassroots energy. Desperate to maintain their grip, party leaders have tried to unite behind the more moderate Crowley, who received Governor Tony Evers’ endorsement, but his establishment credentials have failed to inspire the base, leaving him trailing far behind Hong’s people-powered movement.
Predictably, Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany has launched attacks on Hong, attempting to smear her by associating her with the Democratic Socialists of America platform and misrepresenting her positions on police funding and other progressive issues. Hong has rightfully clarified that she does not endorse the national DSA platform and has pointed out the reality: a governor cannot defund the police, and it is, in fact, Republican-controlled legislators who have slashed local police budgets, undermining community safety.
"Wisconsin is the quintessential swing state, but it’s also a very polarized state," said Sheboygan Mayor Ryan Sorenson, who supports the establishment candidate Crowley. "This is going to be a new chapter in a political science theory book: how do far left-wing and far right-wing candidates build a coalition and win elections."
Hong’s campaign has electrified the Democratic coalition by mobilizing voters long ignored by the party establishment. State Sen. Chris Larson praised her for bringing new energy and diverse voices into the party, representing a bold and inclusive vision for Wisconsin’s future.
This primary comes at a pivotal moment, as Democrats strive to finally break Republican stranglehold and gain full control of Wisconsin’s state government for the first time in a generation, aiming to keep the governor’s office and flip both legislative chambers. A Marquette Law School poll confirms that Hong’s strongest support comes from younger, more progressive voters, while her establishment rivals cling to older, more conservative constituencies.
In a recent interview, Hong described herself as a single mother and service-industry worker who champions legislation for all Wisconsinites, not just the privileged few. She dismissed calls to eliminate the U.S. Senate as "nonsensical and nonpractical at this time," focusing instead on real solutions for working people.