Key facts
- Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist state lawmaker, is the frontrunner in Wisconsin's gubernatorial primary.
- David Crowley, backed by current Governor Tony Evers, is campaigning on electability in the swing state.
- Progressive candidates have recently seen success in Democratic primaries across the country.
- Hong's past statements, including support for defunding the police, have drawn criticism.
- The winner of the Democratic primary will face Republican Tom Tiffany, who voted against certifying the 2020 election results.
Wisconsin voters are heading to the polls to decide on a Democratic nominee for governor, with a democratic socialist state lawmaker, Francesca Hong, leading the field. The race is seen as a test of the progressive wave within the Democratic party, following similar victories in other states.
Hong, a chef and former restaurant owner, is campaigning on a platform that includes universal childcare and free school meals. She has faced scrutiny over past comments, including a tweet suggesting to cancel Thanksgiving and previous support for defunding the police, which have been attacked by Republicans. Her campaign argues that voters are tired of the status quo and want candidates who will advocate for tangible improvements in their lives.
Challenging Hong is David Crowley, the Milwaukee county executive, who reentered the race after initially withdrawing. Crowley, endorsed by the current Democratic Governor Tony Evers, is emphasizing his electability in the swing state of Wisconsin. Evers and Crowley have toured the state together, a move some interpret as an establishment effort to counter Hong's momentum, though Crowley denies being part of the establishment.
The primary also features state senator Kelda Roys and former state administration department head Joel Brennan. The race has seen shifts, with previous contenders like Sara Rodriguez and Mandela Barnes exiting. The winner will face Republican Tom Tiffany, a congressman who voted against certifying the 2020 election results.
In other Wisconsin races, voters will choose Democratic contenders for a key congressional district, with Rebecca Cooke and Emily Berge vying for the nomination against Republican Derrick Van Orden.