Francesca Hong Leads Wisconsin Democratic Gubernatorial Primary by Wide Margin

State Navigate’s latest poll of likely Democratic primary voters in Wisconsin indicates that Francesca Hong, a self-identified socialist, is the clear front-runner for the governor’s race, commanding 44% support. Former assemblyman David Crowley trails with 22%, while state senator Kelda Roys holds 11%, and no other candidate reaches double-digit backing. The margin remains substantial when leaners are removed, with Hong at 42% and Crowley at 21%.

The poll, fielded from Aug. 3 to Aug. 6 with 1,473 respondents, carries a +/- 2.3% error range and shows only nine percent undecided. Hong’s lead reflects growing acceptance of socialist labels among Democrats, as a separate Economist/YouGov poll found 62% would back a self-described democratic socialist. Should she win the primary, Hong would likely face Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany in the November general election.