Progressive state Rep. Francesca Hong is a front-runner in Wisconsin's Democratic primary for governor, facing a key test for the future direction of the Democratic Party in a crucial battleground state. The primary contest is for the first open gubernatorial seat since 2010, as current Democratic Gov. Tony Evers is not seeking reelection.
Hong, a self-described democratic socialist and former restaurant owner representing Madison, has led in statewide polling for the Aug. 11 primary. However, efforts within the party to rally around an alternative candidate have emerged. Some Democrats express concern that Hong's progressive stances could alienate independent voters, potentially hindering other Democrats running for state legislative seats, according to Susan Knower, a former Democratic party chair for Sauk County.
David Crowley, the Milwaukee County executive, also seeks the nomination. He had exited the race but re-entered after receiving an endorsement from Gov. Evers. Crowley has outraised Hong, reporting more than $775,000 in pre-primary finance reports, more than double Hong's total for the same period in July. Knower voiced concerns that Evers' endorsement of Crowley might inadvertently boost Hong's candidacy.
Shifting Stances and Campaign Rhetoric
In recent media appearances, Hong has adjusted some past social media statements, including calls to abolish the U.S. Senate and defund the police. Knower suggested these past statements are too extreme and could be effectively used by Republicans in their campaign messaging. When asked about a deleted 2020 post regarding Thanksgiving, Hong stated, "I think there I wanted to make sure that people understood that there are multiple views, but views can evolve." She later clarified Thanksgiving is her "favorite holiday." Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany, the presumptive GOP nominee, criticized such remarks, stating that socialists "want to destroy the traditions and culture that unite us."
Hong's campaign responded to critiques about her past statements, asserting, "We have the most developed platform with detailed plans on over 100 different policy points and she would love to talk about them whenever people are done asking about 7-year-old tweets."
Anthony Chergosky, a professor at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, suggested that a Hong victory in a general election would demonstrate the viability of democratic socialism in a purple state. Conversely, a loss could empower the centrist wing of the Democratic Party to challenge the electoral prospects of democratic socialism leading up to the 2028 elections.
Congressional Races in Wisconsin
Beyond the gubernatorial race, Wisconsin is also hosting competitive U.S. House races that are seen as significant in the battle for control of Congress. Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany's decision to run for governor has opened up his seat in the state's 7th Congressional District. Among the GOP candidates is Michael Alfonso, son-in-law of former Rep. Sean Duffy, who has secured an endorsement from former President Donald Trump. Alfonso faces criticism regarding his age and experience.
On the Democratic side in the 7th District, former state Rep. Fred Clark, business owner Chris Armstrong, and attorney Ginger Murray are competing for the nomination.
Democrats are also targeting Republicans in Wisconsin's 1st and 3rd Congressional Districts in hopes of regaining a House majority. In the 1st District, emergency room nurse Mitchell Berman is considered the front-runner in a three-way Democratic primary, focusing his campaign on healthcare access against incumbent Republican Rep. Bryan Steil. In the 3rd District, Democrat Rebecca Cooke is making her third attempt to unseat Republican Rep. Derrick Van Orden. Cooke narrowly lost to Van Orden in the 2024 general election by a nearly 3% margin. Cooke faces a progressive challenger, Emily Berge, in the Democratic primary, even with backing from the campaign arm of House Democrats.