Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist and current front-runner in the Wisconsin gubernatorial primary, is seeking the Democratic nomination without the endorsements of national progressive figures like Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) or Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY). While Hong has led her opponent, David Crowley, by double digits in recent polls, Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez have focused their efforts on congressional races rather than state-level contests. The primary election is scheduled for Tuesday.
The race follows the decision by Gov. Tony Evers not to seek reelection, though he handpicked Crowley as a potential successor. Hong’s campaign has faced scrutiny over past social media posts regarding "canceling Thanksgiving" and "defunding the police," which she has characterized as "bad takes" that she has learned from. Sanders’ associates noted that the senator does not know Hong personally and considers her less vetted than other candidates, particularly following his previous endorsement of a candidate in Maine who later withdrew.
Hong has received support from other progressive figures, including Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA), as well as the Progressive Democrats of America. Meanwhile, Republicans are preparing attacks centered on Hong’s ties to the Democratic Socialists of America and a deputy campaign manager’s background in sex worker advocacy. In response, a Hong spokesperson defended the staffer as a licensed clinician who has worked with trafficking survivors.
The scale of the political shift is significant for Democratic organizers, who view a potential Hong victory as a test for the progressive movement's viability in battleground states ahead of the 2028 presidential cycle. However, a July Marquette Law School poll found that democratic socialism holds a net negative rating among registered voters, suggesting that the roughly 3.5 million registered voters in the state may view the candidates differently based on ideological labels. If Hong wins, she would face Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany, who has been endorsed by Donald Trump, in a contest that could influence national policy on health care and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits.
Following Tuesday's vote, the Wisconsin Democratic Party plans a "unity tour" featuring the nominees and state party chair Devin Remiker to mitigate internal party friction. While Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) has stated she will support the eventual winner, Gov. Evers has not yet committed to campaigning for Hong if she secures the nomination. The general election will take place in November, serving as a referendum on whether the state prefers "MAGA" candidates or those focused on expanded social benefits.