Crowley Defeats Hong in Wisconsin Democratic Primary for Governor

MADISON, Wis. — Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley defeated state Rep. Francesca Hong in the Democratic primary for Wisconsin governor on Tuesday, according to the Associated Press. The contest drew attention because it followed a similar primary in Michigan one week earlier and occurred in a state viewed as competitive in the general election.

Hong, a 37-year-old state lawmaker from Madison and member of the Democratic Socialists of America, had received endorsements from Reps. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Ro Khanna of California. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont stated last week that he would not endorse in the race, citing limited familiarity with the candidates. Crowley received support from retiring Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, who campaigned with him in the final days.

The primary took place after Evers announced he would not seek a third term, marking the first open Democratic gubernatorial nomination in Wisconsin in 16 years. Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez and former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes had been candidates but withdrew earlier in the summer. Crowley had briefly suspended his campaign to support Rodriguez before re-entering.

Hong’s platform included guaranteed paid leave, raising the state minimum wage from $7.25 to $20 per hour, and a one-year moratorium on new AI data centers. She stated on Saturday that she no longer supports reducing police budgets or abolishing police departments, saying, “I’m not defunding the police, not abolishing police. I am serious about public safety.” She also addressed a 2020 social media post advocating to “cancel Thanksgiving” to “stop celebrating colonialism,” stating that she has “evolved” and “learned” and that Thanksgiving is now her “favorite holiday.”

Crowley will face Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany in the November general election. Tiffany, who is backed by President Donald Trump, has described the race as significant for his party’s prospects in the state. The contest is viewed by both parties as a potential pickup opportunity.

Several moderate Democrats expressed concern during the primary that a Hong nomination could affect other races on the ballot. A Wisconsin-based Democratic strategist, speaking on condition of anonymity, said a Hong candidacy at the top of the ticket could create difficulties for Democratic candidates in congressional and state legislative districts. Pro-Republican super PACs, including one connected to the Republican Governors Association, spent funds to support Hong’s primary campaign, citing her perceived vulnerability in a general election.

Hong told Fox News on Sunday that voters would determine electability through their choices and that her campaign remained focused on outreach until polls closed. The outcome leaves Democrats with Crowley as their nominee against Tiffany in a state that has seen narrow margins in recent statewide contests.