Democratic socialist leads Wisconsin governor primary as establishment candidate reenters race

Wisconsin Democrats will choose their nominee for governor on Tuesday, with state assemblymember Francesca Hong, who identifies as a democratic socialist, emerging as the front-runner in a four-candidate field. Hong, a former chef and restaurant owner from Madison, was first elected to the Assembly in 2020 and runs on policies such as universal childcare, free school meals and a temporary halt to new data-center construction.

Former Milwaukee County executive David Crowley, backed by incumbent Governor Tony Evers, reentered the race on July 18 after briefly withdrawing. Crowley and Evers have toured the state emphasizing his perceived electability in the swing state, arguing he is better positioned to win the general election against Republican U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany, who ran unopposed in the GOP primary.

The primary also includes state senator Kelda Roys and former state administration official Joel Brennan. Earlier in the campaign, Sara Rodriguez exited the race over campaign-finance issues, and former lieutenant governor Mandela Barnes withdrew in late July.

A late-July poll by Marquette University Law School showed Hong maintaining a lead, though a notable share of voters remained undecided. Hong said she entered the race because she believes Wisconsinites want candidates who will deliver tangible improvements and move beyond the status quo.

The Democratic nominee will face Tiffany, a strong Trump ally who voted against certifying the 2020 presidential election results, in the November contest for a governorship that Democrats view as critical to securing a legislative trifecta in the state.