Wisconsin Democrats Choose David Crowley Over Francesca Hong in Tight Primary
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley narrowly defeated state Rep. Francesca Hong in Wisconsin’s Democratic gubernatorial primary, positioning a moderate against a DSA-aligned candidate.
In a closely fought contest, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley emerged as Wisconsin’s Democratic nominee for governor, edging out state Rep. Francesca Hong, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America. Although Hong had enjoyed double-digit leads in most polls, retired Governor Tony Evers and other establishment figures threw their weight behind Crowley, describing him as the party’s future. Crowley, the first Black person to hold the county-executive post, will now face Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany, a House Freedom Caucus member backed by Donald Trump, in a November race expected to draw national attention.
At a unity breakfast, Crowley thanked Hong for her leadership and promised to unite the party’s diverse factions, stressing a “big-tent” philosophy. His platform includes affordable housing, universal early-childhood education, expanded health care, clean-energy projects, and voting-rights protections, while he has publicly opposed partnership with ICE. Democratic leaders, including the Democratic Governors Association and the state party chair, hailed his primary victory as proof of readiness to defeat “MAGA extremists” in the general election.
Why it matters
The primary decides whether a moderate or a socialist-aligned candidate will lead the Democratic ticket in a pivotal swing state.
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 Hong leads in a recent poll with 38% support, while Crowley trails at 7% and other candidates have withdrawn.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.
In this story
Related stories
18 in this thread