Moderate Democrat David Crowley has won the Wisconsin gubernatorial primary, defeating progressive candidate Francesca Hong in a surprising upset. Crowley, who briefly suspended his campaign in July, garnered support from two-term Democratic Governor Tony Evers, while Hong faced backlash over negative press related to her past social media posts. Crowley will now face Republican Representative Tom Tiffany in the November election. This victory marks a shift in the recent trend of progressive candidates succeeding in Democratic primaries across the nation, as Crowley positions himself as a centrist Democrat amidst a crowded field that included former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes and Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, both of whom exited the race shortly before the primary.
Why It Matters
Wisconsin’s gubernatorial race is crucial, particularly as it follows Governor Evers’ decision not to seek reelection. The state has been a political battleground, with President Trump winning by a narrow margin in 2024. The outcome of this primary could influence Democratic strategies, given that Wisconsin has seen a mix of party representation in recent years, including one Democratic senator and one Republican senator. Crowley’s win could signal a reevaluation of the Democratic base’s priorities ahead of the November election, especially in a state where moderate candidates have historically performed well.
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