Centrist Democrat David Crowley has been projected to win the Wisconsin gubernatorial primary, defeating democratic socialist Francesca Hong and breaking a recent nationwide winning trend for the left wing of the Democratic Party. The result in the Midwestern state, with almost all votes counted, signals a potential shift within the party.
Crowley, the chief executive of Milwaukee County, is set to face Republican Tom Tiffany in November. Tiffany, a U.S. congressman, secured an easy victory in the Republican primary and has the backing of former President Donald Trump. Tiffany's platform emphasizes lowering taxes, supporting farmers, and improving healthcare, mirroring Crowley's focus on affordability.
Crowley announced his win on X, stating it was time to "get to work" on his key missions: making life more affordable, strengthening schools, creating jobs, and ensuring opportunity reaches all corners of the state.
Recent primary contests across the U.S. had seen successes for anti-establishment Democratic candidates, causing concern among party leadership in Washington. Many observers had anticipated Hong would continue this trend.
The Wisconsin contest was one of several primaries held Tuesday, with neighboring Minnesota also conducting elections. In South Carolina, Darline Graham Nordone advanced to a runoff election for a U.S. Senate seat following the death of her brother, Senator Lindsey Graham. She will compete against Democrat Annie Andrews for the vacant position.
The November midterm elections in Wisconsin are expected to be closely contested and could have broader implications for control of the U.S. Congress.