Establishment Democrat David Crowley Barely Wins Wisconsin Gubernatorial Primary Against Radical Leftist
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David Crowley narrowly defeated far-left state legislator Francesca Hong in Wisconsin's Democratic primary for governor, securing 39.8% of the vote to Hong's 39.4%. Crowley now faces Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany, a staunch conservative, in the general election.
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, the establishment Democrat, managed to secure the party's nomination for Wisconsin governor, barely edging out radical leftist Francesca Hong by a razor-thin margin. Crowley received 39.8% of the vote, while Hong, a self-proclaimed democratic socialist, garnered 39.4%, with 98% of precincts reporting.
Crowley, 40, re-entered the race in late July after briefly withdrawing and quickly received the endorsement of outgoing Governor Tony Evers, who claimed Crowley was the most electable candidate. Despite lagging in polls, Crowley’s campaign was propped up by a last-minute spending spree—$4 million on television ads compared to less than $500,000 spent by Hong’s campaign—demonstrating the establishment’s determination to prevent a far-left takeover.
Hong, who had led in recent polling, faced scrutiny for her extreme positions on policing, the U.S. Senate, and other issues. Even after softening some of her rhetoric, she continued to push radical policies like universal health care and childcare. Hong associated herself with far-left figures such as streamer Hasan Piker and Rep. Ilhan Omar, though even prominent socialists hesitated to endorse her.
"I voted for Crowley because I am risk-averse and wanted the candidate most likely to beat Tom Tiffany in the general election," said Madison voter Ali Plummer, reflecting the party’s fear of a Republican victory.
"She has a great platform for universal health care and universal childcare," said Shawn Bass, who voted for Hong, underscoring the left’s push for government overreach.
Other candidates, including former Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez and former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, split about 20% of the vote, each receiving roughly 4%.
On the Republican side, Rep. Tom Tiffany, a principled conservative endorsed by President Donald Trump and known for his opposition to the questionable certification of the 2020 presidential results, won his party’s nomination and will face Crowley in November.
If elected, Crowley would become Wisconsin's first Black governor. The race is a crucial battleground in a state under Democratic control since 2019, with the outcome poised to impact legislative control and the direction of the state as the 2028 presidential election approaches.