Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley secured the Democratic nomination for Wisconsin governor on Tuesday, defeating progressive candidate Francesca Hong. The outcome signals a potential limit to how far left the Democratic Party can move in a crucial swing state.
Crowley will face Republican Congressman Tom Tiffany, who has aligned with former President Donald Trump's movement, in a general election that is expected to be closely contested given Wisconsin's history of narrow election margins.
Hong, a chef by trade and a former state assembly candidate, had been considered a frontrunner, leading recent polls by a significant margin. Her campaign gained national attention for its progressive stance, including a pledge to halt new data center construction and cut tax incentives. She had positioned herself as a candidate advocating for bolder action, stating, "Incrementalism is irresponsible. Pushing for the middle or the moderate has not yielded us the wins that we need."
However, concerns about her electability in a general election ultimately consolidated support behind Crowley. His campaign, initially considered a long shot and having previously withdrawn from the race, was revived with encouragement and an endorsement from Governor Tony Evers after other Democratic candidates faltered. Crowley's strategy focused on assembling a coalition of moderate voters and Black voters, a demographic where progressive candidates have sometimes struggled.
The primary race was marked by a series of withdrawals and controversies among other Democratic contenders. Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez exited the race in July due to campaign finance irregularities. Former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, who lost a U.S. Senate race in 2022, was Hong's main rival until allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced, prompting his withdrawal. This situation allowed Crowley to re-enter and gain traction.
Republicans reportedly saw Hong as a weaker opponent and a group associated with the Republican Governors Association spent over $3 million on advertisements aimed at elevating her profile among Democratic primary voters, a tactic intended to maximize her chances of winning the nomination.
Hong's campaign also highlighted internal debates within the progressive movement. While some national progressive leaders have rallied behind insurgent campaigns, Senator Bernie Sanders did not endorse Hong, stating he was not focused on the race. Questions about Hong's past rhetoric, including calls to "cancel Thanksgiving" and controversial positions on abolishing prisons and defunding the police, also drew scrutiny. While she clarified her intentions for office, her responses sometimes caused concern among allies who urged a refocus on more broadly appealing issues.
This dynamic has fueled a national conversation among progressives about campaign messaging and electability, particularly in swing states. The outcome in Wisconsin suggests that while the party is open to new approaches, concerns about a candidate's ability to win a general election remain a significant factor for Democratic voters. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's recent comments about "Woke 1" being "crazy" reflect some of the broader discussions occurring within the party regarding messaging strategies. Voters in Wisconsin ultimately opted for a candidate they deemed more likely to challenge the Republican nominee, who has ties to efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.