Photo credit: David Crowley (Instagram)
A closely contested Wisconsin Democratic primary has interrupted a recent run of victories for the party’s progressive wing.
David Crowley, the more centrist candidate, is projected to have defeated state Assemblywoman Francesca Hong in the Democratic primary for Wisconsin governor. The result sets up a November contest between Crowley and Republican candidate Tom Tiffany.
Crowley, who serves as the chief executive of Milwaukee County, won by less than half a percentage point with nearly all votes counted, according to CBS News, the BBC’s election partner.
The narrow result makes the race one of the clearest examples of the divide within today’s Democratic Party.
Wisconsin Democratic primary ends progressive winning streak
Hong had entered the election as a strong contender.
The state lawmaker, who is a single mother and former chef, sought to become Wisconsin’s first democratic socialist governor. Her campaign attracted support from voters looking for a major change in the Democratic Party.
However, Crowley staged a late comeback after briefly leaving the race and backing another candidate.
He later returned with the endorsement of Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers. The renewed campaign helped Crowley close what had once been a significant polling gap.
Hong eventually conceded the race, with her campaign manager saying she was proud of the campaign they ran.
David Crowley will face Tom Tiffany in November
Crowley’s victory sets up a general election against Republican Tom Tiffany.
Tiffany, a U.S. congressman, easily won the Republican primary. He also has the backing of President Donald Trump.
The November contest is expected to be closely watched as Democrats and Republicans compete for control of the governor’s office.
Both candidates are emphasizing issues affecting voters’ everyday lives.
Crowley has focused on making life more affordable, strengthening schools, creating well-paying jobs and expanding economic opportunity across Wisconsin.
Tiffany has also made affordability a central issue. His platform includes lowering taxes, supporting farmers and improving healthcare.
The outcome could also have implications beyond Wisconsin because the 2026 midterm elections will help determine control of Congress.
Progressive Democrats continue to gain ground elsewhere
Although Crowley’s victory slowed the left’s momentum in Wisconsin, progressive candidates continued to perform well in other Democratic contests.
In Minnesota, Peggy Flanagan won the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate, defeating more centrist candidate Angie Craig.
Connecticut also saw a major Democratic primary upset. Luke Bronin defeated longtime Rep. John Larson, who has served 14 terms, to become the party’s candidate for a House seat.
Other progressive candidates have also made gains in recent months.
In Michigan, Abdul El-Sayed won the Democratic primary for the state’s U.S. Senate race against Rep. Haley Stevens.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has also backed progressive candidates in House races, with several of his endorsed candidates winning their primaries.
What Wisconsin means for Democrats
Hong’s defeat provides a reminder that progressive candidates have not won every closely watched Democratic primary.
Her campaign faced scrutiny over past comments about police funding and Thanksgiving. Some of those remarks were later walked back.
She also did not receive endorsements from two of the Democratic Party’s most prominent progressive figures, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Crowley’s victory could therefore offer encouragement to Democrats who believe the party needs to appeal more strongly to moderate and swing voters.
At the same time, the continued success of progressive candidates elsewhere shows that the Democratic Party’s internal debate is far from settled.
The Wisconsin governor’s race will now move into the general election, where Crowley and Tiffany will compete for voters ahead of November’s midterms.
Source: BBC News, with reporting from CBS News and AP
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