Story perspectives

Francesca Hong Leads Wisconsin Democratic Primary with 38%

8/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

Francesca Hong, a state lawmaker and democratic socialist, leads Wisconsin’s Democratic gubernatorial primary before Aug. 11.
A late-July Marquette poll gave Hong 38% support among Democratic primary voters, far ahead of rivals.
After Mandela Barnes withdrew, David Crowley re-entered on July 18, earned Governor Tony Evers’s endorsement, and campaigns with Evers.
Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany, the presumptive GOP nominee, will meet the Democratic winner on Nov. 3.

History

Historical Context

After narrowly voting Republican in 2000 and 2004, Wisconsin shifted when Barack Obama won the February 19, 2008 Democratic primary with 58% and the November general election by a 13.9% margin, turning the former swing state into a safe blue state. That 2008 insurgent surge underpins Francesca Hong’s 38% lead in the July Marquette poll.

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Story summary

Francesca Hong, a state lawmaker and democratic socialist, leads Wisconsin’s Democratic gubernatorial primary before Aug. 11.
A late-July Marquette poll gave Hong 38% support among Democratic primary voters, far ahead of rivals.
After Mandela Barnes withdrew, David Crowley re-entered on July 18, earned Governor Tony Evers’s endorsement, and campaigns with Evers.
Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany, the presumptive GOP nominee, will meet the Democratic winner on Nov. 3.

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