Democratic socialist Francesca Hong and centrist David Crowley are in a tight race in Wisconsin’s Democratic gubernatorial primary, with less than one percentage point separating them as of Wednesday morning, August 12th, 2026, according to The Associated Press (AP). Crowley, endorsed by Governor Tony Evers, holds a slight lead. This contest reflects a broader struggle within the Democratic Party between establishment moderates and progressive democratic socialists.

Primary elections were also held on Tuesday, August 11th, 2026, in Alabama, Connecticut, Minnesota, South Carolina, and Vermont. In Vermont, Amanda Janoo won the Democratic gubernatorial race with 49.1% of the vote, narrowly defeating Aly Richards who had 46.5%, based on about 98% of votes counted (AP).

Republican incumbent Phil Scott ran unopposed and won in Vermont. In Alabama, Trump-favored candidate Rhett Marques won his race with 50% of the vote, while Hampton Harris trailed with 21.6% (AP). Trump-backed candidates experienced both wins and losses across Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Carolina, and Alabama.

Among Democratic voters who identify as liberal, more than 70% consider it essential that their party’s candidates support raising taxes on corporations and billionaires (76%), expanding abortion access (72%), and universal government-provided healthcare (71%).

Francesca Hong has faced criticism for past social media posts, including a November 2020 message during a COVID-19 wave urging people not to gather for Thanksgiving, referring to it as the "colonizer holiday."

In a separate race with 10 candidates, Graham received 32.7% of the vote, while Ralph Norman followed with 24.7% (AP).

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