Wisconsin Democrats choose middle path
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The gist
Wisconsin Democrats nominated moderate David Crowley over socialist Francesca Hong in the governor primary.
The win signals the party's middle path may beat the left in battleground states.
Background
Wisconsin's Democratic primary for governor became a proxy battle between the party's moderate and progressive wings. The race was open after incumbent Tony Evers declined to seek a third term. Hong, a democratic socialist, had led in polls, but Crowley, a Milwaukee County executive, won with establishment backing. The result is seen as a test of whether centrist candidates can win in key states.
How it unfolded
- Jul 2026Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, a mainstream candidate, drops out amid a campaign finance scandal. Crowley, who had dropped out earlier, re-enters with Evers' backing.
- Aug 11, 2026Polls show Hong with a double-digit lead over Crowley in the final week before the primary.
- Aug 12, 2026Crowley defeats Hong in the Democratic primary, becoming the nominee for governor.
Who’s saying what
- Centrists
- Third Way's Kate de Gruyter argues that moderate candidates are needed to win general elections, saying 'the middle still has the votes needed to win.'
- Progressives
- Progressives contend that uninspiring establishment candidates fail to galvanize young, working-class, and diverse voters needed for victory.
- Analysts
- Analyst Zakaria notes that while the left has passion, the middle has the votes needed to win general elections.
Still unverified
Some reports suggest Hong's loss was partly due to her stance on Israel, but this is not confirmed.