Wisconsin Democrats narrowly chose Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley over state Rep. Francesca Hong in the crucial swing state, handing the gubernatorial nomination to a more moderate candidate in a key test of socialisms growing influence within the Democratic Party.
Despite holding double-digit leads in most polls ahead of Election Day, Hong, a Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) member with a history of controversial statements, ultimately fell short after retiring Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and other party heavyweights rallied behind Crowley, calling him “the future of the party.”
Crowley will face Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany, a House Freedom Caucus member who is backed by President Donald Trump, in a November showdown expected to draw national attention.
But as Crowley pivots to the general election after emerging as the Democratic establishments choice over Hong and the partys progressive wing, questions remain over just how moderate Crowley is.
DEMOCRAT ESTABLISHMENT STRIKES BACK AS SOCIALIST CANDIDATE DOWNED IN BATTLEGROUND PRIMARY
Crowley appeared alongside Hong at a Wisconsin Democrats unity breakfast in Middleton Wednesday before kicking off a five-day, 17-stop statewide tour with Sarah Godlewski, the nominee for lieutenant governor. Speaking to reporters after the breakfast, Crowley thanked Hong for her “work” and “leadership” while vowing to win over her supporters and unite the party.
“We may not agree on everything, but it doesn’t mean that we can’t come to the negotiating table and figure out how we bring everybody under this big tent,” he said. “The Democrats, we are a big tent. We should not be focusing on kicking people from under, saying that they don’t belong within this tent.”
Crowley credited Evers, who joined him on the campaign trail, as the “secret weapon” for his primary victory. In an early morning post Wednesday on X, Evers wrote, “Tonight’s all about @DavidCCrowley. He’s earned this win and the accolades. I am so proud of David â he’s the future of our Party, and I can’t wait for him to be our next governor.”
Turning his attention to Tiffany, Crowley added the general election will offer a “stark contrast.”
“This isn’t insider versus outsider,” he said. “This is Democrats defeating the MAGA extremists and Congressman Tom Tiffany.”
The Milwaukee native worked as a community organizer before winning election to the Wisconsin State Assembly and becoming the first Black person elected Milwaukee County executive in 2020. He has leaned heavily on his working-class upbringing, and his campaign website says he “wasnt fed by a silver spoon” and grew up amid his parents struggles with addiction and mental health issues and repeated family evictions.
Crowleys path to the nomination took an unexpected turn when he dropped out of the race in early July over a lack of a clear path forward and endorsed Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez. Just 10 days later, Crowley, who admitted to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/aug/10/francesca-hong-democratic-socialist-wisconsin-governor-race" target="_blank" rel="nof
