Wisconsin Democratic Primary Splits Moderates and Progressives

Wisconsin Democratic Primary Splits Moderates and Progressives

AP News reported on 6 August that Wisconsin Democrats remain split between moderate Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who is backed by Governor Tony Evers, and progressive state Assemblywoman Francesca Hong as the Aug.  11 gubernatorial primary draws near. Earlier, former lieutenant governor Mandela Barnes ended his campaign after the state party’s review of anonymous misconduct allegations, according to NBC News.

A Marquette University Law School poll released a week before the primary showed Hong leading Crowley and Barnes, with a large share of voters still undecided, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported. The five Democratic hopefuls debated at Marquette University two weeks before the vote, discussing police shootings, tax and education policy, and largely refraining from personal attacks, NBC News noted. In-person absentee voting opened on 28 July, providing early voting options for the primary, AP News said.

Actors

Francesca Hong Mandela Barnes David Crowley Tony Evers Donald Trump Wisconsin Democratic Party Tom Tiffany

Locations

Wisconsin Madison, Wisconsin Milwaukee, Wisconsin Milwaukee County, Wisconsin

Articles

August 06, 2026
1 total
Wisconsin Democrats Split Between Moderate and Progressive Candidates in Governor Primary
Wisconsin Democrats Split Between Moderate and Progressive Candidates in Governor Primary

AP News • 06 Aug 04:12

In Wisconsin's Democratic gubernatorial primary, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, backed by Governor Tony Evers, faces progressive challenger Francesca Hong, with voters weighing electability against ideological alignment.

Credibility 78% Manip. 45% Center
August 03, 2026
1 total
Democratic Establishment Faces Internal Conflict Over Progressive Candidates in Wisconsin and Michigan
Democratic Establishment Faces Internal Conflict Over Progressive Candidates in Wisconsin and Michigan

Ken Klippenstein | Substack • 03 Aug 16:39

Party leaders and media outlets are warning that progressive candidates Francesca Hong and Abdul El-Sayed could be unelectable in general elections, while a Republican memo describes Hong as a strong contender.

Credibility 34% Manip. 58% Left
August 02, 2026
1 total
Democratic socialist Francesca Hong leads Wisconsin governor primary amid intra-party split
Democratic socialist Francesca Hong leads Wisconsin governor primary amid intra-party split

CNN • 02 Aug 16:00

State Assemblywoman Francesca Hong, a self-identified democratic socialist, is the front-runner in Wisconsin's Democratic gubernatorial primary, while rival candidates have withdrawn and Republicans target her record.

Credibility 72% Manip. 32% Center
July 31, 2026
1 total
Former Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes Withdraws from Democratic Gubernatorial Primary
Former Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes Withdraws from Democratic Gubernatorial Primary

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel • 31 Jul 02:32

Mandela Barnes ended his campaign for Wisconsin governor after a televised debate and new polls showed state Rep. Francesca Hong leading the Democratic primary, while the party's internal review found no actionable evidence regarding recent allegations.

Credibility 68% Manip. 12% Center
July 30, 2026
2 total
Former Wisconsin lieutenant governor Mandela Barnes exits Democratic gubernatorial primary
Former Wisconsin lieutenant governor Mandela Barnes exits Democratic gubernatorial primary

AP News • 30 Jul 21:56

Mandela Barnes announced his withdrawal from the Wisconsin Democratic governor's primary after the state party reviewed anonymous allegations of inappropriate conduct, leaving the race led by Francesca Hong.

Credibility 78% Manip. 9% Center
Mandela Barnes withdraws from Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial primary
Mandela Barnes withdraws from Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial primary

NBC News • 30 Jul 21:04

Former lieutenant governor Mandela Barnes ended his campaign for the Democratic nomination for Wisconsin governor, leaving state Rep. Francesca Hong as the frontrunner ahead of the Aug. 11 primary.

Credibility 78% Manip. 27% Center
July 29, 2026
3 total
Francesca Hong leads Democratic governor primary in new Marquette poll
Francesca Hong leads Democratic governor primary in new Marquette poll

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel • 29 Jul 16:11

A Marquette University Law School poll released a week before the Aug. 11 primary shows Francesca Hong ahead of fellow Democrats Mandela Barnes and David Crowley, with a large share of voters still undecided.

Credibility 72% Manip. 7% Center
Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial candidates hold largely civil debate as primary approaches
Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial candidates hold largely civil debate as primary approaches

NBC News • 29 Jul 02:24

In their sole televised forum, the five Democratic contenders for Wisconsin governor avoided direct attacks, with front-runner Francesca Hong facing limited criticism while all candidates aligned on tax and education policies.

Credibility 73% Manip. 33% Center
Wisconsin Democratic Gubernatorial Candidates Debate Ahead of Primary
Wisconsin Democratic Gubernatorial Candidates Debate Ahead of Primary

WISN • 29 Jul 01:27

Five Democratic contenders for Wisconsin governor debated at Marquette University two weeks before the primary, covering topics from police shooting to tax policy.

Credibility 72% Manip. 8% Center
July 28, 2026
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Early absentee voting starts as Wisconsin Democrats split over gubernatorial candidates
Early absentee voting starts as Wisconsin Democrats split over gubernatorial candidates

AP News • 28 Jul 16:41

In-person absentee voting began Tuesday for Wisconsin's Democratic gubernatorial primary, where candidates Francesca Hong, David Crowley and others vie for the nomination amid concerns about party unity.

Credibility 78% Manip. 22% Center