Wisconsin Democrats Fracture as Radical Socialist Challenges Moderate in Governor Primary
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Wisconsin's Democratic gubernatorial primary exposes deep divisions, as establishment-backed David Crowley faces far-left activist Francesca Hong, raising concerns about extremism and electability.
Wisconsin Democrats are deeply divided ahead of Tuesday's gubernatorial primary, where Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, endorsed by Governor Tony Evers and the party establishment, faces off against democratic socialist Francesca Hong. In Madison, a liberal enclave, voters like software engineer Sarah Miller are preoccupied with defeating Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany, a staunch Trump supporter, rather than focusing on policy substance.
Crowley, who briefly withdrew before re-entering the race, tries to distance himself from the establishment label, even as he touts his bid to become Wisconsin’s first Black governor. He points to the narrow win of progressive Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan as a sign of hope, but his campaign is clearly aimed at appeasing the party’s radical base and undecided voters.
Hong, a single mother and former restaurant cook, has come under fire for her history of inflammatory social-media posts attacking American traditions like Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day, as well as her criticisms of police funding. Although she now claims she doesn’t support abolishing the police, her record raises serious questions about her judgment and suitability for office. Supporters dismiss legitimate concerns about her electability as establishment fear-mongering, while opponents, including Republican Tiffany, rightly highlight her radicalism.
A Marquette University Law School poll from late July showed Hong leading among Democratic primary voters, but confusion reigns due to absentee ballots cast for candidates who have since dropped out. The outcome of this primary will determine whether Democrats double down on far-left extremism or choose a candidate who can actually compete in the general election, as the party’s grip on the governor’s office—and its legislative ambitions—hang in the balance.