Democratic rivals largely refrain from attacking Wisconsin Gov. candidate Francesca Hong ahead of primary

Francesca Hong entered the final phase of Wisconsin's Democratic primary for governor with a double-digit lead in recent polls, despite criticism from some party members who question her electability in a swing state. The first negative television ad from a Democratic-aligned group appeared last week, when an outside organization supporting Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley aired a spot stating that “Francesca Hong’s record is a distraction we can’t afford.”

The ad marked the only broadcast attack from a Democratic-aligned source during the primary season, according to AdImpact data. Previously, the pro-Crowley group focused on positive messaging after Crowley re-entered the race, as moderate Democrats sought an alternative to Hong. Separately, a group linked to the Republican Governors Association has spent nearly $3 million on ads describing Hong as “too liberal for Wisconsin,” an effort the GOP says is intended to boost the Democrat they consider most vulnerable in the November election.

Overall advertising activity has been modest. Crowley's campaign and allied outside groups have spent about $4 million on ads, while Hong and her supporters have spent less than $500,000. On the campaign trail, Crowley and outgoing Democratic Governor Tony Evers have made occasional remarks about Hong's controversial social-media posts but have not mounted a sustained attack. Evers told WISN-TV’s “UpFront” that his team would be “helpful” if Hong secured the nomination. During the sole primary debate held last month, Hong faced no direct criticisms from other Democratic candidates.

The lack of intra-party conflict contrasts with the 2024 Michigan Democratic Senate primary, where candidate Abdul El-Sayed was targeted with at least $19 million in negative ads and intense debate over U.S. policy toward Israel. While Hong has expressed criticism of Israel, that issue has not dominated the Wisconsin race.

In a separate analysis, Pennsylvania senators John Fetterman (D) and Dave McCormick (R) have been highlighted for their bipartisan cooperation on issues such as drug trafficking, antisemitism, and invasive species. Their joint fundraising effort and collaborative projects have drawn criticism from some Democrats, who argue the partnership may advance Republican priorities without delivering benefits for the Democratic agenda.