Last-Minute Drama: Blow to Progressive Camp in the Battleground State

David Crowley won the Democratic primary for Wisconsin governor, defeating progressive Francesca Hong. The victory was decided in a final vote count, after Hong had led in polls. Crowley, backed by outgoing Governor Tony Evers, emphasized his electability against Republican Tom Tiffany. Hong was hurt by controversial past statements.

David Crowley, a Milwaukee County executive, won the Democratic primary for Wisconsin governor, defeating his progressive rival Francesca Hong. According to a report in The Guardian, the victory was dramatic and came after a final vote count, even though Hong had led in early polls. Crowley re-entered the race late and received the support of outgoing Governor Tony Evers. Hong, a chef and former restaurant owner from Madison, ran on a platform that included universal day care, free school meals, and a moratorium on building server farms, but controversial past statements, including a tweet calling for the abolition of Thanksgiving and support for defunding the police, hurt her chances. Crowley focused his campaign on the electability argument, claiming he had the best chance to defeat Tom Tiffany, a Republican congressman and Trump supporter. The race was marked by upheavals, including the withdrawal of leading candidate Sarah Rodriguez due to campaign finance irregularities, and the withdrawal of Mandela Barnes in July. Democrats hope to retain the governor's office and gain control of both legislative chambers. In the third congressional district, Rebecca Cooke, a moderate Democrat, won the primary and will face Republican Derrick Van Orden.