Democrat panic as socialist star is toppled by razor-thin vote after Republican cash boosted her rise
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley narrowly defeated Democratic socialist state representative Francesca Hong in Wisconsin’s Democratic primary for governor. The result gives the party’s more moderate wing its preferred nominee in a pivotal swing state, where Crowley will face the Trump-endorsed Republican congressman Tom Tiffany in November.
With 98% of votes counted, Crowley led Hong by about 3,000 votes. Republicans had spent nearly $3.6 million on adverts highlighting Hong’s liberal positions, which Democrats said were intended to make her the nominee; Hong had campaigned on free childcare and healthcare, while Crowley was backed by outgoing governor Tony Evers and is seeking to become Wisconsin’s first Black governor.
- Crowley narrowly beat Hong in Wisconsin’s Democratic gubernatorial primary.
- The margin was about 3,000 votes with 98% counted.
- Crowley will face Republican Tom Tiffany in November.
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Wisconsin is a closely contested US state, meaning elections there can have national importance. The governor runs the state government and has influence over areas such as schools, healthcare, public services and state laws.
The Democratic Party includes politicians with a range of views. Democratic socialists generally favour a larger role for government in providing services and reducing economic inequality, while more moderate Democrats tend to support less far-reaching changes.
Republicans sometimes spend money in the other party’s primary contests, often because they believe a particular opponent would be easier to face in the main election. The Republican Party’s nominee, Tom Tiffany, has been endorsed by Donald Trump, the former US president and a leading figure in the party.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters of Crowley’s nomination can argue that a broadly acceptable, experienced county executive gives Democrats their strongest chance of retaining the governorship in a closely divided state. His endorsement by Governor Evers and potential to make history as Wisconsin’s first Black governor may help unite key parts of the Democratic coalition, while his more moderate profile could appeal to undecided voters. From this perspective, prioritising electoral viability is necessary to protect state-level policies and institutions from a Republican administration.
The case against
Supporters of Hong can argue that her narrow defeat shows a substantial appetite for a more ambitious Democratic programme on childcare, healthcare and economic security. They may contend that selecting the safer-seeming candidate risks dampening turnout among younger and progressive voters, especially when Republican spending appears to have tried to shape the Democratic contest strategically. From this perspective, a clear, transformative offer can be both principled and electorally effective, rather than an unaffordable ideological luxury.
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