Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley Wins Wisconsin Democratic Gubernatorial Primary
David Crowley narrowly defeated state legislator Francesca Hong in Wisconsin's Democratic primary for governor, securing 39.8% of the vote to Hong's 39.4% and setting up a general-election contest against Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany.
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley secured the Democratic nomination for Wisconsin governor, edging state legislator Francesca Hong by a slim margin. Crowley received 39.8% of the vote, while Hong garnered 39.4%, with 98% of precincts reporting.
Crowley, 40, re-entered the race in late July after briefly withdrawing and received the endorsement of outgoing Governor Tony Evers, who argued that Crowley was the most electable candidate. The former county executive had previously lagged in polls, but a last-minute campaign push and higher spending on television ads—about $4 million compared with less than $500,000 by Hong’s campaign—helped narrow the gap.
Hong, a self-identified democratic socialist, had led in recent polling but faced scrutiny over past statements on policing, the U.S. Senate, and other issues. She softened some positions during the campaign but continued to promote policies such as universal health care and childcare. Hong appeared with left-leaning figures including streamer Hasan Piker and Rep. Ilhan Omar, though she did not receive endorsements from prominent democratic socialist leaders.
"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.
"She has a great platform for universal health care and universal childcare," said Shawn Bass, who voted for Hong.
The primary also featured other candidates who together captured about 20% of the vote, including former Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez and former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, each receiving roughly 4%.
On the Republican side, Rep. Tom Tiffany won his party’s nomination and will face Crowley in November. Tiffany, backed by President Donald Trump, has opposed certification of the 2020 presidential results in several states.
If elected, Crowley would become Wisconsin's first Black governor. The race is viewed as a key contest in a state that has been under Democratic control of the governorship since 2019 and could influence legislative control ahead of the 2028 presidential election.