Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) responded to criticism from progressive activists following the defeat of state Rep. Francesca Hong in Wisconsin’s Democratic gubernatorial primary. Hong, a democratic socialist, lost the race to Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley by a margin of less than 4,000 votes on Tuesday. Several high-profile figures in the progressive movement argued that an endorsement from Sanders could have provided the visibility and fundraising needed to overcome that gap.
Sanders addressed the criticism in an interview on Wednesday, stating he has "limited resources and capabilities" and cannot endorse every candidate. He noted that he must "pick and choose" where to get involved, though he praised Hong for running a "very strong, grassroots campaign." Sanders instead highlighted successful outcomes for candidates he did endorse that same night, including Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan in Minnesota and Rebecca Cooke in Wisconsin.
The primary results have sparked a debate within the Democratic Party's left wing regarding the responsibility of national leaders to support insurgent candidates. Cenk Uygur, co-founder of the Young Turks and Justice Democrats, stated that leaders like Sanders have a responsibility to steer the movement and that withholding endorsements can give voters "pause." An anonymous Democratic operative noted that while Sanders cited resource constraints, his endorsement itself functions as a primary tool for raising money rather than requiring direct financial contributions.
Other observers pointed to factors beyond national endorsements that influenced the outcome. Hong conducted very little traditional advertising and faced negative coverage regarding past social media comments. Additionally, the presence of other candidates on the ballot, including two who withdrew after voting had already begun—Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez and former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes—may have divided the vote. Dillon Sheehan of the Madison Area Democratic Socialists of America noted that while a Sanders endorsement might have helped, the movement needs to develop candidates who can win without relying on a few national figures.
The scale of this impact is felt most sharply by the progressive movement’s ability to win executive offices in battleground states. While Sanders pointed to wins by endorsed candidates like Peggy Flanagan in Minnesota, the failure to secure a win in Wisconsin represents a significant hurdle for those attempting to shift the party's platform on public safety and economic policy. For the average voter in Wisconsin, this determines the specific policy platform—ranging from public safety approaches to economic management—that will appear on the Democratic line in the general election.
The knock-on effects involve a strategic shift for progressive organizations such as Our Revolution and Justice Democrats. The public disagreement between Sanders and these groups indicates a lack of unified leadership, which could lead to fragmented resources in future cycles. If national stars like Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) become more selective in their endorsements, local grassroots organizations may have to shoulder more of the burden for advertising and voter outreach. The next step in this process is the general election in Wisconsin, where Crowley will face the Republican nominee to determine the state’s executive leadership.