Francesca Hong’s Surge Redefines Wisconsin Democratic Gubernatorial Primary

State Rep. Francesca Hong, a self-identified democratic socialist, emerged as the front-runner for the Democratic nomination for Wisconsin governor in a chaotic primary that saw several establishment candidates drop out. Hong’s platform—free childcare, expanded healthcare, a $20 minimum wage, progressive taxation, and a one-year moratorium on new data-center construction—has resonated with a broad swath of voters, leaving her with a double-digit lead over Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who is backed by outgoing Gov. Tony Evers and other establishment Democrats. Polling cited by Politico shows Hong ahead of Crowley by roughly 20 percentage points.

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The race opened after Gov. Evers announced he would not seek a third term, prompting seven Democrats to file initially. Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez and former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes withdrew amid scandals and allegations of inappropriate behavior, respectively, leaving the field fragmented. Crowley re-entered the contest after briefly endorsing Rodriguez, while Hong, the first Asian American elected to the state Assembly in 2020, positioned herself as a progressive outsider.

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• Polling gap: Hong leads Crowley by about 20 points.

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• Fundraising: Hong has not aired a television ad and trails Crowley in cash on hand, yet maintains a consistent lead in public polls.

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• Demographics: Hong would become Wisconsin’s first female governor and first Asian American governor if elected; Crowley would be the state’s first Black governor.

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• Gov.

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• Crowley told supporters that Democrats must unite after the primary to defeat Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, a hard-right House Freedom Caucus member backed by former President Donald Trump.

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Establishment Democrats worry that Hong’s far-left reputation could alienate moderate and independent voters crucial in Wisconsin’s swing-state elections. David Zimmerman, a 79-year-old retired professor, expressed doubt that Hong could win the general election, though he would vote for her if she secured the nomination. Julie Martinson, a bank worker, echoed concerns about electability but remained optimistic about party unity.

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Hong’s past social-media posts advocating for defunding the police and canceling Thanksgiving have drawn scrutiny. Critics argue those positions could “hurt her big time” among voters wary of radical reforms. Some supporters acknowledge the risk of “racist and sexist backlash” given Wisconsin’s history of electing only white male governors.

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• “Our ultimate goal is to make sure we don't have a MAGA extremist occupying the governor's office,” — David Crowley, milwaukee county executive

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• “It’s always going to be a concern,” — Jan Stroman

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• “There’s a lot of sexism yet in our country,” — Tim Freiss

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• “I want to be very clear: I’m not in this race running against any of my opponents. I’m running for the votes of Wisconsinites, and if they don’t choose me to be the nominee, my job is to make sure that it’s blue no matter who.” — Asked Saturday

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The Democratic primary winner will face Tom Tiffany in the November general election. Both Hong and Crowley have pledged to rally the party behind the nominee to prevent a “MAGA extremist” from occupying the governor’s office.

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