Democratic voters in Wisconsin will decide Tuesday between four candidates vying for the party’s nomination in the gubernatorial race. State Rep. Francesca Hong leads public polling ahead of the August 11 primary, according to reports.
The winner of the primary will face Republican Tom Tiffany in the November general election. Three other candidates—former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, current Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, and former Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation CEO Missy Hughes—have withdrawn but remain on the ballot.
Francesca Hong: Democratic socialist and restaurant owner
Hong, a 37-year-old state representative from Madison, is a former restaurant owner and chef who has represented her district for about six years. She is the daughter of Korean immigrants and the first Asian American member of the Wisconsin Legislature. Hong entered the race in September 2024 as a member of the state Assembly’s Socialist Caucus and now leads every public poll of the primary field.
Her campaign platform centers on what she calls “permanent affordability,” including proposals for free childcare, fully funded public schools, higher taxes on the ultrawealthy and corporations, and a moratorium on new data centers. Hong has cited more than 300 campaign events and nearly 50,000 miles traveled across Wisconsin as part of her organizing efforts.
In an interview with Newsweek, Hong described economic stress she hears from constituents while working bartending shifts, emphasizing that affordability issues extend beyond simple cost-of-living concerns. She framed her campaign as a challenge to the Trump administration, stating, “Our campaign is building a working-class movement demanding better from government.”
David Crowley: Milwaukee’s first Black county executive
David Crowley, the first Black county executive in Milwaukee, oversees a $1.4 billion county budget and previously served in the state Legislature. He was elected to his current role in 2020 and helped negotiate a shared revenue deal with Republicans in 2023 to avoid a financial crisis. Milwaukee and Milwaukee County still face a $50 million deficit and ongoing financial challenges.
Kelda Roys: Madison attorney and former NARAL leader
Kelda Roys, a Madison-based state senator and attorney, has served about nine years in the Legislature and is a member of the Joint Finance Committee. She is the founder of a real estate tech company and previously led NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin. Roys has sponsored dozens of bills that have become law.
Joel Brennan: Former state administration official
Joel Brennan served as president of the Greater Milwaukee Committee before announcing his gubernatorial run in December 2024. He previously held the role of secretary of the Department of Administration during Gov. Tony Evers’ first term. Brennan has never been elected to public office.
Primary dynamics and polling
Public polling suggests Hong holds a comfortable lead in the Democratic primary, though all four candidates bring distinct backgrounds to the race. The winner will face Republican Tom Tiffany in November, as Wisconsin remains a key battleground state that President Donald Trump carried in 2016 and 2024.
The primary election takes place on August 11, 2025.