In a dramatic turn of events, David Crowley secured the Democratic gubernatorial nomination in Wisconsin, narrowly defeating Francesca Hong a progressive candidate who had gained significant momentum in recent weeks. The race highlighted the tensions within the Democratic Party between progressive ideals and moderate pragmatism, especially in a crucial swing state.
The outcome sets the stage for a high-stakes general election against Rep. Tom Tiffany a Republican backed by President Donald Trump in a state known for its razor-thin election margins.
Crowley’s Comeback and Strategic Endorsements
Crowley’s victory was far from assured. He had initially dropped out of the race in July but re-entered with the endorsement of Gov. Tony Evers after other candidates faltered. Evers’s backing proved crucial in consolidating moderate Democratic support amid widespread concerns about Hong’s viability in a general election.
Crowley’s campaign focused on assembling a coalition of moderates and Black voters, a demographic that left-wing candidates often struggle to win over in primaries. His message resonated with voters looking for a candidate who could unite the party and appeal to a broader electorate. “When people try to call me the establishment, I look at that as a slur, particularly as an African American candidate,” Crowley stated ahead of election day. “I have never run for office to protect the establishment. I’ve always been here to protect people.”
The Rise and Fall of Francesca Hong
Hong, a 37-year-old chef and progressive activist, had captured the spotlight with her bold policies and populist appeal. She positioned herself as a candidate who would aim higher in office than her opponents, advocating for incrementalism and pushing for more ambitious reforms. “Incrementalism is irresponsible,” she told Vox‘s Andrew Prokop last month. “Pushing for the middle or the moderate has not yielded us the wins that we need.”
One of the key issues that propelled Hong’s campaign was her opposition to data centers. She pledged to “Control-Alt-Delete” the AI buildout, promising to cut off tax incentives and implement a moratorium on new projects. Her stance resonated with voters concerned about the environmental and economic impacts of rapid technological development.
However, Hong’s campaign faced challenges as she grappled with past controversial positions, such as her support for defunding the police and abolishing prisons. While she clarified that she would not pursue these ideas in office, her sometimes disjointed answers raised concerns among allies on the left. The debate over her electability ultimately proved too much to overcome.
The Broader Implications for the Democratic Party
The race in Wisconsin mirrored broader debates within the Democratic Party about the path to victory in swing states. While progressive candidates have seen success in some areas, the party’s leaders remain concerned about the electability of candidates with more radical platforms. The outcome in Wisconsin suggested that, at least for now, moderates may have the upper hand in crucial battleground states.
Despite her loss, Hong’s campaign highlighted the growing appeal of progressive populism and the struggles of center-left party leaders to contain it. The race also sparked a national discussion among progressives about how to move past the more strident language and policies around social justice issues that peaked during the pandemic. “I have a local city councilman who has this saying,” Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) said on ABC News on Sunday. “Woke 1 was crazy.”
As the Democratic Party looks ahead to the general election, the focus will be on uniting behind Crowley and mounting a strong challenge against Tiffany, who has aligned himself with Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2026 election. The outcome in Wisconsin will be closely watched as an indicator of the party’s prospects in other battleground states.
