Wisconsin Democratic Primary Tests Progressive Appeal

Democratic socialist Francesca Hong and moderate David Crowley remained locked in a tight race Tuesday in Wisconsin’s closely watched Democratic gubernatorial primary, offering an important test of progressive candidates’ appeal in the battleground state.

With about 80% of votes counted, Milwaukee County Executive Crowley held a lead of only a few hundred votes over Hong, who is seeking to become Wisconsin’s first democratic socialist governor. The Democratic nominee will face Republican U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany in November.

Hong’s campaign has faced scrutiny over controversial social media posts from 2020, including comments criticizing Thanksgiving during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hong later clarified her position, saying she has fond memories of the holiday but recognizes that Thanksgiving can be painful for many people. She also said she did not want to cancel the holiday.

Despite the controversy, Hong has promoted a strongly progressive agenda, including abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement, imposing a one-year moratorium on data centers, and raising taxes on billionaires and corporations. A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll found that large majorities of liberal Democrats support higher taxes on wealthy Americans and corporations, expanded abortion access and government-provided healthcare.

Unlike Michigan progressive Abdul El-Sayed, Hong entered the race without endorsements from Senator Bernie Sanders or Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Wisconsin Democrats also nominated Rebecca Cooke to challenge Republican Derrick Van Orden in the competitive 3rd Congressional District. Cooke, a former small-business owner and waitress, has previously run for the seat and has received support through the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee’s Red to Blue program.

Meanwhile, Minnesota Republicans are weighing Trump’s influence as former MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell seeks the GOP gubernatorial nomination with Trump’s endorsement. The Minnesota Democratic Senate primary also features progressive Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan and moderate Representative Angie Craig, competing for the seat being vacated by retiring Senator Tina Smith.