Establishment Democrat David Crowley Edges Out Progressive Francesca Hong in Wisconsin Gubernatorial Primary
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Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley narrowly defeated progressive champion Francesca Hong in Wisconsin's Democratic primary for governor, after the party establishment and Governor Tony Evers intervened to back the status quo over bold change.
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, representing the centrist wing of the Democratic Party, narrowly clinched the Democratic primary for Wisconsin governor, defeating state legislator Francesca Hong, a progressive leader who had inspired grassroots enthusiasm and led most polls before the vote. Crowley’s victory was propelled by a last-minute endorsement and aggressive campaigning from Governor Tony Evers, who, prioritizing perceived electability over transformative policies, warned that Hong’s unapologetic progressive stances would jeopardize the party’s chances against Republican Tom Tiffany in the general election.
Hong, a chef and legislator with deep ties to working-class and marginalized communities, faced orchestrated attacks for her principled positions—such as challenging the colonialist Thanksgiving narrative, advocating for the abolition of ICE, and supporting fairer taxation on the wealthy. Despite her popularity among progressives, Hong was denied support from national democratic socialist leaders, highlighting the party establishment’s resistance to genuine progressive change.
Crowley’s win signals a retreat to establishment politics in a critical swing state, as Democratic elites continue to prioritize moderate candidates over those who champion racial, economic, and social justice. Nonetheless, Crowley’s nomination as the first Black gubernatorial candidate in Wisconsin is a historic milestone, even as the party sidelines bolder visions for the future.
In Minnesota, Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, a proud member of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe, overcame establishment spending to secure the Democratic Senate nomination, defeating moderate Angie Craig. Flanagan centered her campaign on the urgent issue of rising living costs, offering a stark contrast to Republican Michele Tafoya in the general election.
Other notable results included the defeat of far-right conspiracy theorist and former MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell in the Minnesota Republican gubernatorial primary by Speaker Lisa Demuth, and the withdrawal of former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes from the Wisconsin governor’s race, leaving Crowley as the establishment’s choice over the progressive Hong.