David Crowley, the Milwaukee County Executive and a candidate for Wisconsin governor, has stated that being referred to as the "establishment" is an insult. Crowley, who is in a primary race against socialist candidate Francesca Hong, made these remarks at a rally in Madison this week.
Crowley, an African American candidate, described the label as a "slur," explaining that his background, marked by parents struggling with addiction and mental health issues, and his own hard work to reach his current position, are inconsistent with being part of an establishment he has never sought to protect.
"I have never run for office to protect the establishment. I've always been here to protect people," Crowley stated.
The race has been marked by controversy surrounding Hong's past statements and policy positions. Polls show Hong leading Crowley by double digits with the primary election approaching. She has portrayed Crowley as the establishment choice, citing his endorsement from the incumbent governor and his fundraising advantage.
Resurfaced social media posts from Hong have drawn criticism, including calls to "abolish the police" and "cancel Thanksgiving." In a 2020 tweet, Hong suggested canceling Thanksgiving due to its "colonialist" roots, using the gender-neutral term "folx." When questioned recently about this remark, Hong offered a lengthy response that did not directly confirm or deny her stance but spoke of her hospitality background and the importance of community gatherings. She has since clarified that she does not wish to "cancel Thanksgiving" and considers it her "favorite holiday."
Further scrutiny has focused on Hong's past statements on law enforcement. She has repeatedly called to "defund the police" and in one post stated, "Police exist to uphold white supremacy. Defund then abolish. Reform can't be a option." A candidate questionnaire from January 2026 also indicated her commitment to "police and prison abolition." However, as her gubernatorial campaign has gained momentum, Hong has stated she is "not running to defund the police" and that her administration would prioritize public safety. She also indicated she is "not interested in abolishing prisons" or police if elected.
A recent Marquette University Law School poll indicated Hong leading the Democratic primary with 38 percent support, followed by Mandela Barnes at 16 percent, and Crowley in a distant third with 7 percent.