David Crowley Edges Francesca Hong to Win Wisconsin Governor Primary

MILWAUKEE, Wis. —

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley narrowly won the Democratic primary for Wisconsin governor on Tuesday, defeating state Rep. Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist who had led most polling in the race, according to The Guardian. The Associated Press called the race for Crowley after Hong conceded, according to CBS News, which reported his margin of victory was less than one percentage point.

Hong could have requested a recount because the margin fell under one point, but she would have had to pay for it herself since it exceeded a quarter of a point, according to France 24. She chose not to.

Crowley, who is seeking to become Wisconsin's first Black governor, will face Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany in November. Tiffany, who represents a conservative, rural district in northern Wisconsin, ran unopposed in the Republican primary and has President Donald Trump's endorsement, according to The Guardian. Tiffany voted against certifying the 2020 election results, which Trump lost.

A Chaotic Path to the Nomination

Crowley's win capped a primary that scrambled repeatedly in its final weeks. He dropped out of the race in early July and backed Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, according to CBS News. Rodriguez later withdrew after her campaign discovered it had less money on hand than believed, and Crowley reentered the race 10 days later with the endorsement of outgoing Gov. Tony Evers, a Democrat who has held the office since 2019 and did not seek reelection.

Former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes also dropped out, on July 31, as the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel was investigating allegations involving his conduct with young adult women, according to CBS News. Barnes has not addressed the allegations and has not been accused of a crime.

A Test for the Party's Left Flank

Hong, a former chef and restaurant owner from Madison, ran on free child care, free school meals and a one-year halt on new data center construction, according to The Guardian. She had also called in past social media posts to defund the police and cancel Thanksgiving, positions Republicans seized on and that she later walked back, CBS News reported.

"We have built something that will change politics forever," Hong told supporters as results were still uncertain, according to France 24.

Crowley's campaign manager, Garren Randolph, said in a statement that Crowley is now focused on "bringing people together, earning the support of Democrats, Republicans, Independents, and anyone who believes Wisconsin is at its best when we work together and deliver results," France 24 reported.

The result reversed a run of primary wins for progressive candidates this summer in Michigan, New York and Colorado, CBS News noted. Trump carried Wisconsin by less than a point in 2024, and Democrats there are hoping to win the governor's office and both chambers of the legislature for the first time since 2010.