David Crowley Upsets Democratic Socialist Francesca Hong in Wisconsin Governor Primary

The surprise victory of Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley over democratic socialist Francesca Hong in Wisconsin’s Democratic primary has sent shockwaves through the party. On its surface, Crowley’s win appears to be a triumph of pragmatism over ideology, with voters opting for a more electable candidate who can take on Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany in November.

Crowley’s re-entry into the race, backed by outgoing Democratic Gov. Tony Evers’ endorsement, marked a turning point in the campaign. Evers’ support was crucial in boosting Crowley’s profile and helping him gain traction with voters wary of Hong’s progressive stance. This shift in momentum was compounded by the $4 million spent by Crowley’s campaign and allied outside groups on ads during the primary, dwarfing the efforts of his Democratic rivals.

Hong’s loss is a significant setback for progressives, who had been riding high on the success of their candidates in other primaries this year. Her inability to connect with undecided voters and her struggles with general election viability – highlighted by controversies over defunding the police and canceling Thanksgiving – made it difficult for her to maintain momentum.

Crowley’s campaign was able to tap into voters’ concerns about electability, as Madison resident Ali Plummer noted: “I voted for Crowley because I’m a risk-averse person, and I read a lot about who has the chances to beat Tom Tiffany in the larger election.” This sentiment speaks to a broader anxiety within the Democratic Party: how to balance ideological purity with electoral viability.

The contrast between Crowley’s campaign and Hong’s is also notable. While Crowley faced his own controversies, including incendiary posts on women and race from years ago, his campaign was able to pivot effectively in response. In contrast, Hong’s attempts to walk back her past positions came too little, too late.

As Wisconsin Democrats look ahead to the general election, they will be keenly aware that Crowley’s victory has given them a lifeline. But it also raises questions about the party’s strategy and priorities: how to balance pragmatism with ideology, and what role does electability play in their decision-making process? The answer may lie not just in Crowley’s own abilities but in the complex interplay of factors that contributed to his win.

The implications of Crowley’s win are far-reaching, and it remains to be seen whether he can replicate his success in November against Tom Tiffany. But one thing is clear: this primary has left an indelible mark on the Democratic Party, forcing them to confront their own internal divisions and question what kind of candidate they need to win in a deeply divided country.

The Wisconsin governor’s race will now become a critical bellwether for Democrats across the country – not just because it holds power during the 2024 presidential election but also because it represents a unique test case for the party’s approach to governance. Will Crowley be able to capitalize on his momentum and bring home a victory for the Democratic Party? The answer lies in November, when Wisconsinites will go to the polls to decide their governor.