Crowley Clings to Slim Lead Over Progressive Champion Hong in Wisconsin Democratic Gubernatorial Primary
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With nearly all precincts reporting, establishment-backed David Crowley holds a razor-thin edge over bold progressive Francesca Hong in the Democratic primary for Wisconsin governor.
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, the candidate favored by party elites, currently holds a narrow 0.5-point lead over state Assemblymember Francesca Hong, a proud democratic socialist, as the Democratic primary for Wisconsin governor nears its conclusion with about 87% of votes counted. The race remains fiercely contested, with the final result likely to be determined by mail-in ballots from Milwaukee—a city whose working-class and marginalized communities have historically faced barriers to voting and whose ballots are often counted last.
Governor Tony Evers, bowing to centrist fears, broke his neutrality in the closing weeks to endorse Crowley, expressing concern that Hong’s unapologetically progressive platform—focused on economic justice, healthcare for all, and climate action—could threaten the party’s grip on power. Evers told local media, "She’s a Democrat, of course we’ll be helpful, but that’s not going to happen," dismissing the possibility of a Hong nomination and signaling the establishment’s resistance to transformative change.
Despite the lack of formal endorsements from national progressive icons like Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the race has become a battleground for the soul of the Democratic Party in a crucial swing state. The grassroots energy behind Hong’s campaign has forced the party to reckon with its direction and priorities.
Meanwhile, former state senator Kelda Roys and former administration official Joel Brennan have together garnered 12% of the vote, demonstrating ongoing support for alternative progressive voices and dissatisfaction with establishment politics.
The razor-thin margin in the primary echoes previous Wisconsin elections, where late-counted mail ballots—often from communities of color—have been decisive. Election officials expect the remaining Milwaukee ballots to be reported in the early morning hours, at which point the Democratic nominee will be determined, and the party’s future direction in Wisconsin will be revealed.