Francesca Hong Leads Chaotic Wisconsin Democratic Gubernatorial Primary

Francesca Hong, a 37-year-old state assemblywoman from Madison and a dues-paying member of the Madison chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America, is the clear leader in the Democratic primary for Wisconsin governor. Polling conducted by Marquette Law School in late July shows Hong with 38 % support among Democratic primary voters, far ahead of former lieutenant governor Mandela Barnes (16 %) and Milwaukee County executive David Crowley (7 %). The August 11 primary will determine the Democratic nominee who is expected to face Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany in the November general election.

CNN

Wisconsin has become a focal point for the national progressive insurgency that has recently delivered mayoral victories in New York City, Seattle and Washington, DC. The state’s Democratic Party, buoyed by Governor Tony Evers’ recent successes—including a majority on the state Supreme Court and a redrawn legislative map—sees the 2026 election as a rare opportunity to win full control of state government. Hong’s campaign positions her as a democratic socialist offering a public bank, universal child care, free school lunches and a $20 minimum wage, while also attempting to distance herself from the national DSA platform.

CNN

• June 9 – The Wisconsin Elections Commission finalizes the ballot; former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez and former economic-development official Missy Hughes remain on the ballot despite having withdrawn.

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinal(The) AtlanticCNN

• July 18 – David Crowley re-enters the Democratic primary and receives Governor Evers’ endorsement.

CNN

• July 22 – Hong speaks alongside protesters in Madison near the site of a recent police shooting.

CNN

• July 24 – Hong discusses her democratic-socialist identity in a Fox News interview.

(The) Atlantic

• July 28 – A chaotic primary debate in Milwaukee features Hong, Barnes, Crowley, Joel Brennan and Kelda Roys.

CNN

• August 11 (scheduled) – Democratic primary to select the party’s gubernatorial nominee.

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinal

• Poll numbers (Marquette Law School, late July): Hong 38 %, Barnes 16 %, Crowley 7 %; other candidates each below 2 %.

CNN

• Volunteer network: More than 7,000 volunteers are canvassing statewide for Hong.

(The) Atlantic

• Republican advertising: The Republican Governors Association has spent over $2.5 million on ads highlighting Hong’s past calls to defund the police and abolish the Senate.

(The) Atlantic

• Governor Tony Evers has publicly backed David Crowley as a more moderate alternative, though he has not endorsed any candidate after Hong’s surge.

CNN

• Rep. Tom Tiffany has framed Hong as aligned with the national Democratic Socialists of America, accusing her of supporting the abolition of ICE.

CNN

Republican strategists view Hong’s democratic-socialist label as a liability in a swing state. The Republican Governors Association’s communications director, Kollin Compton, called Hong “the Mamdani of the Midwest,” referencing New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s progressive victory. Tiffany’s campaign continues to circulate past statements that portray Hong as advocating for the elimination of key institutions, framing her platform as “extreme” for middle-of-the-road voters.

CNN

The Democratic primary on August 11 will decide who challenges Rep. Tom Tiffany in the November gubernatorial election. The winner will inherit a Democratic Party energized by recent progressive wins but divided over the electability of a candidate positioned on the far left of the political spectrum.

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinal