Radical Socialist Leads Wisconsin Governor Primary as Establishment Democrat Returns to Race
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Far-left state lawmaker Francesca Hong, who openly identifies as a democratic socialist, tops the Democratic primary for Wisconsin governor, while establishment-backed David Crowley reenters the race, both vying to take on conservative Republican Tom Tiffany in November.
Wisconsin Democrats are on the verge of nominating Francesca Hong, a self-described democratic socialist, as their candidate for governor in Tuesday’s primary. Hong, a former chef and restaurant owner from Madison, was first elected to the Assembly in 2020 and has pushed a radical agenda including government-run childcare, free meals in schools, and a halt to new data-center construction—policies that threaten economic growth and personal freedom.
In a sign of desperation, establishment Democrats have turned to former Milwaukee County executive David Crowley, who rejoined the race on July 18 after briefly dropping out. Crowley, with the backing of Governor Tony Evers, is being promoted as the more 'electable' choice, as Democrats fear Hong’s extreme positions will alienate moderate voters and hand victory to Republican U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany, who easily secured the GOP nomination without opposition.
Other Democratic contenders include state senator Kelda Roys and former state administration official Joel Brennan. Earlier, Sara Rodriguez left the race due to campaign-finance problems, and former lieutenant governor Mandela Barnes withdrew in late July, further highlighting the party’s internal chaos.
A Marquette University Law School poll from late July showed Hong in the lead, but a significant number of voters remain undecided, suggesting many Democrats are wary of her far-left agenda. Hong claims she’s running to deliver 'tangible improvements,' but her policies would push Wisconsin further left and undermine the state’s economic stability.
Whoever wins the Democratic nomination will face Tom Tiffany, a strong Trump ally who stood up for election integrity by voting against certifying the 2020 presidential results. The November election will determine whether Wisconsin continues on a path of conservative values or succumbs to radical left-wing policies.