Democrat establishment holds the line against the Democratic Socialists (for now)

By Easton Martin | August 12, 2026

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley secured the Democratic nomination for governor of Wisconsin, defeating State Representative Francesca Hong in a primary contest. The result halts the recent streak of victories for the party’s democratic socialist wing in Midwest state races.

The contest concluded with Crowley holding a narrow margin of roughly 3,200 votes, representing a gap of less than half a percentage point. Hong, a former restaurant owner and state assembly member who led in pre-election polling, conceded the race to avoid a costly recount process. Crowley now advances to face Republican Congressman Tom Tiffany in the general election.

Hong campaigned on a platform that included creating public grocery stores, raising the minimum wage to $20 an hour, providing free school meals, and establishing higher taxes on millionaires. Her message generated enthusiasm among young voters and grassroots organizers. However, her momentum slowed in the final weeks under scrutiny over past bizarre social media commentary, including past posts regarding police reform and cultural holidays.

Mainstream state leaders voiced concerns about Hong’s viability in a November general election within a swing state. Retiring Governor Tony Evers endorsed Crowley in July, presenting the Milwaukee County official as a pragmatic administrator equipped to win over independent voters across Wisconsin. National progressive leaders, including Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, chose not to issue endorsements in the primary.

Crowley’s primary victory provides party leaders with a key win following recent progressive primary triumphs in neighboring states. The outcome indicates that moderate and pragmatic voters retain strong influence in Wisconsin Democratic primaries, even as grassroots left-wing activism remains active.