In a stunning development in Wisconsin’s political landscape, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley secured the Democratic primary for governor, defeating progressive candidate Francesca Hong. Crowley’s narrow victory comes after a late surge, aided by an endorsement from outgoing Governor Tony Evers. This pivotal moment not only reshapes the electoral dynamics but also highlights the challenges facing progressive candidates in the Midwest.
A Tight Race with Shifting Fortunes
The Democratic primary unfolded as a nail-biting contest, with Crowley and Hong neck-and-neck as results rolled in. While pre-election polls had positioned Hong as the clear favourite, the reality revealed a more competitive atmosphere, with many voters remaining undecided. This unpredictability echoed sentiments from the recent Michigan primary, where progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed also faced a surprising outcome despite earlier polling advantages.
Hong, a well-known chef and former restaurant owner from Madison, campaigned on ambitious policies, including universal childcare, free school meals, and a temporary halt on the construction of new data centres. These proposals set her apart from her Democratic rivals, yet they also attracted scrutiny in a state where moderate views often resonate more strongly.
Crowley’s Electability Strategy
Crowley, who had previously exited the race, re-entered with a clear message: electability. In the crucial final weeks of his campaign, he positioned himself as the candidate most capable of defeating Republican Congressman Tom Tiffany in the general election. Tiffany, a staunch supporter of Donald Trump and a vocal opponent of the 2020 election results, ran unchallenged in the Republican primary.
“We knew that the stakes were too high for me to sit on the sideline,” Crowley stated, emphasising the need for a candidate with a robust track record and executive leadership experience. “Voters want someone they can trust, and that’s why we got back into this race,” he added, underscoring his commitment to winning over sceptical voters.
Fallout for Hong and the Progressive Movement
Despite her strong grassroots efforts, Hong faced backlash from past statements, including a controversial tweet suggesting the cancellation of Thanksgiving and previous support for defunding the police. These positions became focal points in the final days of the campaign, undermining her appeal to moderate voters. Hong had previously vowed to support the eventual nominee, illustrating the fractious nature of the current Democratic landscape.
Competing alongside Crowley and Hong were other prominent figures, including state senator Kelda Roys and former Wisconsin Department of Administration leader Joel Brennan. The primary was marked by turbulence, with candidates exiting and entering the race at an alarming rate—Sara Rodriguez’s withdrawal over campaign finance issues being a notable instance.
The situation was further complicated by Mandela Barnes, who had been the Democratic nominee for US Senate in 2022, pulling out of the race just weeks prior to the primary. With increasing competition and shifting alliances, the Democratic primary became a litmus test for the strength of the party’s progressive wing in a region that has seen mixed results in recent electoral cycles.
Looking Ahead: The General Election
As Wisconsin gears up for the general election, the stakes are high. Democrats are aiming for a governing trifecta, seeking to reclaim control of both chambers of the state assembly while retaining the governor’s office. The landscape is competitive, with Wisconsin historically acting as a bellwether state in national elections. With Crowley at the helm, Democrats hope to harness his appeal to moderate voters to counteract Republican strategies targeting Hong’s past.
The primary has already attracted significant financial resources and media attention. Republicans have begun to leverage Hong’s previous statements to cast doubt on Crowley’s viability as a candidate. As the race progresses, it will be pivotal for Crowley to consolidate Democratic support while countering Republican narratives.
Why it Matters
This primary not only signifies a significant moment for David Crowley and the Democratic Party in Wisconsin but also raises questions about the broader implications for progressive candidates in the Midwest. As Democrats grapple with the need to appeal to a diverse electorate, the outcome of this race will likely inform strategies for upcoming elections across similar battleground states. With a national spotlight on Wisconsin, both parties will be keenly observing the unfolding dynamics as they prepare for a fiercely contested general election.