Crowley Upsets Hong in Wisconsin Democratic Primary, August 13

David Crowley won Wisconsin’s Democratic primary for governor on August 12, defeating progressive Francesca Hong by just 0.4 percentage points in one of the year’s tightest races. Crowley, the Milwaukee County Executive, had suspended his campaign in July before relaunching with backing from outgoing Governor Tony Evers. His victory halts the progressive movement’s recent string of primary wins and sets up a November showdown against Republican Tom Tiffany.

How Crowley pulled off the comeback

Crowley dropped out on July 8 facing low poll ratings and scarce funds. He rejoined the race on July 18 with Evers’ endorsement and immediately raised nearly three times as much money as he had in the entire prior year. The Associated Press called the race at 2:34 a.m. Wednesday after Hong conceded, ending speculation of a recount. Crowley’s final margin was less than 3,100 votes out of roughly 750,000 cast.

Hong’s progressive platform fell short despite leading polls

Polls had shown Hong leading by 20 to 30 percentage points before election day, but the race tightened as voting approached. Hong, a chef and former restaurant owner from Madison, campaigned on childcare for all, free school meals, and a one-year moratorium on new datacentre construction. She also called for abolishing the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency and increasing taxes on billionaires. Republicans spent millions on ads promoting Hong, believing she would be easier to defeat in November.

What the race means for November and beyond

Crowley will face Trump-endorsed US Representative Tom Tiffany, who won the Republican primary decisively with 95.3% of the vote. Tiffany is one of Congress’ most conservative members and challenged the 2020 election results. If elected, Crowley, 40, would become Wisconsin’s first Black governor. Democrats hope to hold the governorship and flip at least one state legislative chamber, both currently controlled by Republicans. The November election carries national weight as control of Congress hangs in the balance.

Progressive momentum slows but doesn’t stop

Hong’s loss breaks a recent winning streak for the Democratic left wing, which notched victories in other states including Michigan’s US Senate race. However, the narrow margin signals deep Democratic voter division. Progressive candidates in Minnesota and Vermont also advanced on the same day. Party leaders had feared that progressive candidates with controversial past statements on defunding police and abolishing prisons would struggle against Republicans and hurt the party’s chances of gaining Senate and House seats.

Final Thoughts

Crowley’s narrow victory exposes a fractured Democratic Party heading into November. The race remains too close to call the general election, but his centrist positioning and Evers’ backing proved decisive in a swing state where both parties see opportunity.

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