In a surprising outcome during the recent Democratic primary for Wisconsin governor, state Representative Francesca Hong narrowly lost to Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. Despite entering the final rounds of the campaign with significant momentum—having previously led in polls by up to 30 points—Hong found herself falling short on 11 August.
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The contest between the two candidates quickly shifted to a focus on who would better represent the Democratic Party. While Hong, at 37, has roots as a progressive chef-turned-politician, Crowley, now 40, secured the endorsement from outgoing Democratic Governor Tony Evers, positioning him as the more moderate choice. In an unexpected turn, his victory was marked by a slim margin of just a few thousand votes, raising questions about the effectiveness of Hong’s campaign strategy.
Hong’s primary efforts drew attention not only because of her political stance but also due to some contentious remarks made during her campaign. Her positions often ignited debate, particularly her previous comments on policing and the celebration of the Thanksgiving holiday. These statements ultimately provided opponents a platform to challenge her credibility as a candidate capable of uniting voters under the banner of democratic socialism.
While the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA)—for whom Hong represented a promising opportunity—sought to expand their influence, doubts lingered among progressive supporters about Hong’s ability to pivot her message beyond her core base. With the impending midterm elections, many within the progressive camp felt a need to move towards a more populist approach, focusing on issues directly impacting daily lives rather than polarising rhetoric.
Analysts noted that had Hong progressed to the general election, she would have faced the daunting task of convincing a broader electorate that democratic socialism could serve as a viable governing framework. The stakes were particularly high; a solid performance in statewide elections could have solidified the DSA’s position in American politics, while a weak showing might have reinforced negative perceptions of the socialist label.
Crowley’s unexpected victory was facilitated in part by a significant financial backing, reportedly exceeding £2.5 million in outside contributions. This overwhelming support suggested that the Democratic establishment rallied behind his candidacy—embodying a sense of security that more progressive figures might not have provided. Recognising the need for collaboration, Crowley emphasised a commitment to not only resist opposition but also to engage in constructive dialogue with colleagues from across the aisle.
Polling leading into the general election had foreshadowed Crowley as a more formidable challenger to Republican Tom Tiffany, who secured his party’s nomination. With polls indicating a competitive race between Crowley and Tiffany, Hong indicated her commitment to consolidating support behind Crowley’s candidacy in the aftermath of her primary loss, stressing the importance of unity in defeating the GOP nominee.
Despite Hong’s defeat representing a setback for democratic socialism in Wisconsin, progressives found cause for celebration elsewhere. Notably, in Minnesota, Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan claimed a decisive victory over incumbent Rep. Angie Craig, who had backing from pro-Israel political action committees. Moreover, in Michigan, Abdul El-Sayed secured the Democratic Senate nomination following a robust campaign that saw him triumph over establishment-backed opponents despite considerable financial pushback.
As progressives assess the implications of Wisconsin’s primary results, attention now turns to the broader landscape of upcoming elections, where the challenge remains ensuring that their policies are communicated effectively and resonate with the wider electorate. The outcome also poses a crucial question for the left: how to balance the need for bold, transformative policies with the necessity of appealing to a diverse voter base in an increasingly complex political arena.