Story perspectives

Francesca Hong Leads Wisconsin Governor Primary with 44%

7/30/2026

Summary

Hong Leads Primary

Rep. Francesca Hong leads Wisconsin governor primary with 44% (State Navigate) and 38% (Marquette).
State Navigate poll (July 23-26) with a ±3-point margin shows Hong about 30 points ahead of the nearest rival.
Sara Rodriguez stays on the ballot with 4% (State Navigate).
A poll shows Barnes would beat Rep. Tom Tiffany 44% to 40% within a 4.5-point margin.

Summary

Hong Pauses

All five Democratic candidates pledged not to defund police in the debate, discussing school funding, tax cuts and data-center policy.
Hong suggested a 100-day pause on data-center construction; Crowley said developers must pay for grid upgrades.
State Sen. Kelda Roys urged executive power to halt data-center projects opposed by communities.
Hong could be Wisconsin’s first female and Asian-American governor; Crowley or Barnes could be the first Black governor.

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Hong Leads Primary

Rep. Francesca Hong leads Wisconsin governor primary with 44% (State Navigate) and 38% (Marquette).
State Navigate poll (July 23-26) with a ±3-point margin shows Hong about 30 points ahead of the nearest rival.
Sara Rodriguez stays on the ballot with 4% (State Navigate).
A poll shows Barnes would beat Rep. Tom Tiffany 44% to 40% within a 4.5-point margin.

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