Early Voting Starts Amid Turbulent Wisconsin Democratic Governor Primary
Wisconsin began early in-person voting Tuesday while Democrats scramble to unite behind a single candidate in a chaotic governor primary.
Early-day voting commenced Tuesday in Wisconsin, marking the start of a contentious Democratic primary for governor. Five contenders will meet for their only debate ahead of the Aug. 11 contest, with socialist Francesca Hong drawing strong liberal support and former lieutenant governor Mandela Barnes banking on Milwaukee’s electorate to offset Hong’s Madison stronghold. Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who withdrew on July 8 and rejoined on July 17, also seeks the nomination, and both he and Barnes would become the first Black governor of the state.
The race has been further complicated by the recent exits of Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez and former state economic director Missy Hughes, whose names remain on the ballot. In response, the Wisconsin Democratic Party filed a lawsuit asking a judge to permit voters to spoil and re-cast ballots already mailed, a rarely used remedy. The hearing took place hours after early voting opened, with more than 100,000 absentee ballots already returned.
Why it matters
The outcome will shape Wisconsin's political balance and could affect control of the state government in 2026.
How the sides frame it
LOW AGREEMENTLeft-leaning and centrist coverage emphasize the start of early voting, the crowded Democratic primary and its implications for party control, while right-leaning coverage centers on Francesca Hong’s socialist identity, poll lead, and controversies over police and Senate statements.
LEFT
Frames the primary as a high-stakes contest where socialist Francesca Hong is the front-runner with strong progressive backing and a notable personal background.
RIGHT
Frames Hong as a controversial socialist candidate, spotlighting poll dominance, her evasive answers on police abolition, and alleged false statements about abolishing the Senate.
The left emphasises
- Hong is a democratic socialist and front-runner with progressive organization and union support
- her working-class background as a dishwasher, line cook, bartender and chef
- the race includes multiple candidates and recent withdrawals complicating the ballot
The right emphasises
- Hong leads a poll of Democratic primary voters with 44% support
- she dodges questions about abolishing police and is portrayed as evasive
- a claim that she once said the Senate should be abolished, which her campaign disputes
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