Hasan Piker warns leftists of intensified pushback after Francesca Hong’s primary defeat
Streamer Hasan Piker cautioned that Democratic insiders will intensify attacks on the socialist wing after Francesca Hong lost the Wisconsin gubernatorial primary to David Crowley.
Hasan Piker, appearing with Francesca Hong and Rep. Ilhan Omar at an August rally, warned that Democratic establishment figures will increase efforts to undermine socialist candidates after Hong’s loss to Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley in the Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial primary. He described the upcoming struggle as one where "the knives will be out" because the party will no longer underestimate the left.
The Republican National Committee’s national spokesperson Natalie Baldassarre responded with a statement denouncing Piker as a radical. Hong, affiliated with the Democratic Socialists of America, had received support from lawmakers such as Ro Khanna and former Ohio state Sen. Nina Turner, while Crowley was endorsed by retiring Governor Tony Evers and labor organizations including the Professional Firefighters of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Laborers’ District Council, and the IBEW Wisconsin State Conference.
The primary’s certification was delayed after a Milwaukee election worker mistakenly loaded audit logs onto five of nine memory sticks delivered to the county courthouse. Spencer Pratt mocked the reaction of the DSA to the defeat, and Piker later said Crowley’s victory would likely defeat Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany in the November general election.
Why it matters
The episode highlights growing friction between progressive insurgents and party elites ahead of key elections.
How this story developed
- Jul 28 Early Voting Starts Amid Turbulent Wisconsin Democratic Governor Primary
- Aug 11 Republican Representative Tom Tiffany warned that a Hong victory could bring far‑left policies to Wisconsin.
- Aug 11 Francesca Hong now holds a clear lead in Wisconsin’s open governor’s race.
- Aug 11 Recent polls show Hong holding a double‑digit lead over Crowley.
- Aug 11 The Democratic primary will determine if Hong, a former chef and single mother, becomes the party's nominee for governor, challenging the endorsement of retiring Gov. Tony Evers for Crowley. Hong leads in a recent poll with 38% support, while Crowley trails at 7% and other candidates have withdrawn. Her campaign emphasizes grassroots organizing, claiming 120,000 door knocks and a focus on issues such as legalizing marijuana, raising wages, and protecting freedoms. Critics warn her victory could affect donor contributions and raise questions about the party's ability to win the general election against Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany.
- Aug 11 David Crowley re‑entered the race after receiving Gov. Tony Evers’s endorsement.
- Aug 11 Immigration and fraud issues have become central themes of the Democratic Senate primary.
- Aug 11 Democratic leaders announced a statewide unity tour featuring a breakfast with Baldwin and Pocan and a Milwaukee rally for Crowley.
- Aug 12 Flanagan secured the Democratic nomination with about 59% of the vote.
- Aug 12 With three‑quarters of votes counted, Hong and Crowley are separated by less than one point, keeping the Democratic nomination undecided.
- Aug 12 State Rep. Francesca Hong, a Democratic Socialists of America member, lost to Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley in Wisconsin's Democratic governor primary.
- Aug 12 Wisconsin holds its Democratic gubernatorial primary with Francesca Hong and David Crowley as the final contenders.
- Aug 12 Crowley will face Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany in the November general election.
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