MADISON, Wis — On Tuesday, August 12, 2026, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley defeated state Rep. Francesca Hong in the Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial primary. Hong, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and a state lawmaker from Madison, was seeking the nomination in this crucial swing state but was bested by Crowley, according to the Associated Press.

This result marks a setback for the left wing of the party as the center-left establishment asserts influence over the party's ideological direction. The primary follows a similar contest in Michigan where far-left candidate Abdul El-Sayed narrowly won a Senate primary.

Hong had faced controversy over past comments, including tweets about Thanksgiving, which she later walked back amid backlash. She also stated, "I'm not defunding the police, not abolishing police. I am serious about public safety."

Bernie Sanders, a longtime left-wing champion, declined to endorse Hong, citing unfamiliarity with her campaign.

Pro-GOP super PACs, including one aligned with the Republican Governors Association, invested millions to boost Hong in the primary, viewing her as the weakest Democratic candidate.

In the general election, Crowley is set to face Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany. Tiffany has described Wisconsin as "the firewall… We’ll be the place that stops socialism," signaling a contentious race ahead.

Democrats express concern that Hong's candidacy could have hurt the party down ballot in key congressional and legislative races.

Sources