Democratic socialist leads Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial field: Poll

A Marquette Law School poll found that Wisconsin state representative Francesca Hong, who describes herself as a democratic socialist, leads the Democratic primary field for governor. The result matters because the contest remains highly unsettled ahead of the 11 August primary, and the eventual nominee will face Republican Congressman Tom Tiffany in a closely watched swing-state election.

Hong had 26% support, ahead of former lieutenant governor Mandela Barnes on 15%, while 45% of Democratic primary voters were undecided. After allocating support from Sara Rodriguez, who withdrew after the survey, Hong rose to 27% and Barnes to 18%; the poll of 430 Democratic primary voters was conducted from 8 to 16 July and had a 6.1-point margin of error. In hypothetical November match-ups, Barnes led Tiffany by four points, whereas Hong trailed him by three among registered voters.