State Rep. Francesca Hong holds a double-digit lead in Wisconsin’s Democratic primary for governor as voters head to the polls Tuesday, with her main rival, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, and allied groups spending $4 million on ads to sway the race. The primary pits Hong’s progressive platform against Crowley’s moderate approach, with both candidates seeking to unseat Republican frontrunner Rep. Tom Tiffany, who has President Donald Trump’s endorsement.
Hong, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), has faced criticism from within her party over her left-leaning policies, including calls to defund the police and abolish prisons, though such attacks have been limited in the final stretch of the campaign. Outside groups aligned with Crowley launched the first Democratic-aligned TV ad attacking Hong this week, calling her record a “distraction we can’t afford.” Meanwhile, a Republican-aligned group has spent nearly $3 million on ads portraying Hong as “too liberal for Wisconsin,” aiming to boost her candidacy in the general election.
Hong’s rise from state legislator to frontrunner has drawn national attention, fueled in part by her background as a restaurateur and co-owner of Morris Ramen in Madison, which closed in February 2024. Her ex-husband, Matt Morris, was a co-owner of the restaurant, which played a role in shaping her public identity before entering politics. Hong’s campaign has emphasized issues like cost of living and economic concerns, while Crowley has positioned himself as the more electable candidate to challenge Tiffany in November.
Policy contrasts and campaign dynamics
Hong’s platform includes progressive proposals such as a $20 minimum wage, universal childcare, and a "TAX THE RICH" plan to raise state income taxes by 1% for high earners. Her past social media posts, including calls to oppose Thanksgiving and defund the police, have resurfaced during the campaign, prompting Hong to address some of her earlier statements. Crowley, backed by outgoing Gov. Tony Evers, has framed himself as a pragmatic alternative, arguing that Hong’s policies could alienate swing voters in a competitive general election.
Republican leaders, including Tiffany and former Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, have framed the race as a referendum on socialism, warning that Hong’s election could signal broader acceptance of left-wing policies in the Midwest. Tiffany described the contest as a potential “firewall” against socialism, while Youngkin characterized Hong’s platform as “the antithesis of America.” Hong has not directly addressed all of these claims but has focused on economic issues in her messaging.
Advertising and outside influence
The Democratic primary has seen limited direct attacks between candidates, with Crowley’s campaign and allied groups outspending Hong’s operation on ads. Outside groups have played a significant role: a pro-Crowley group released its first negative ad against Hong this week, while a Republican-aligned group has spent heavily to portray her as unelectable in November. AdImpact data shows Crowley’s allies have spent $4 million on ads, more than any other Democratic candidate in the race.
The general election matchup is already taking shape, with Tiffany, a Trump-backed Republican, positioned as the likely nominee. Polling suggests Hong holds a commanding lead in the Democratic primary, though Crowley’s campaign argues that her progressive policies could hurt Democratic turnout in a swing state. The outcome of Tuesday’s primary will determine which Democrat faces Tiffany in November, with both parties closely watching the race as a potential bellwether for broader political trends.