Wisconsin Democrats Face Chaotic Primary for Governor

Wisconsin Democrats head to the polls on Tuesday in a chaotic primary for governor, with a democratic socialist challenging the party establishment's pick in a race that could define the state's progressive limits. The winner will face Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany in November, a contest that could test the appeal of progressive policies in a critical battleground state.

State Assembly member Francesca Hong, a single mother and former line cook, has tapped into Democratic anger with the party's mainstream and the MAGA movement. The 37-year-old, known for her profanity-laced comments and edgy social media presence, has called for free childcare and healthcare and a moratorium on data center construction. She has, however, distanced herself from her past support for defunding the police, saying she would not support cutting law enforcement funding. Her past social media posts, including calls to cancel Thanksgiving and disparaging Valentine's Day, have drawn criticism, which she has downplayed as jokes.

Hong's supporters, like Dan Jakubek of Marshall, say her message of affordability is resonating with young voters. "I've never seen so many young, out of high school, college students revved up for change," he said. However, establishment Democrats worry a Hong win would make it easier for Tiffany to win in November, as her platform may be a tough sell among moderate and independent voters in a state known for razor-thin margins.

Gov. Tony Evers has endorsed Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, saying he has the best chance of beating Tiffany. Crowley, who would be the state's first Black governor, urged unity after the primary. "Our ultimate goal is to make sure we don't have a MAGA extremist occupying the governor's office," he said. Hong said she would welcome Evers' support after the primary, emphasizing the need to come together to beat Tiffany.

The race has been marked by turbulence. Evers' decision not to seek a third term initially drew seven Democrats. Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez dropped out mid-July amid a campaign finance scandal, leading Crowley, who had briefly exited and endorsed her, to re-enter with Evers' backing. Former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, an early front-runner, also bowed out less than two weeks before the election amid questions about inappropriate behavior.

In other races, Michael Alfonso, the 26-year-old son-in-law of U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, is seeking to win a five-way primary in Duffy's old congressional seat. He has secured Trump's endorsement, who called him a "MAGA warrior," despite criticism from some longtime Republican leaders who question his experience. Democrat Rebecca Cooke is also looking to emerge from her primary to force a rematch with Republican U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden in a narrowly divided district.