Political Turmoil in Wisconsin: Crowley Triumphs Over Hong

The recent Democratic primaries in Wisconsin ended in a surprising upset. Democratic socialist Francesca Hong, previously holding a strong lead in the polls, was defeated by Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. Crowley, a candidate favored by moderate Democrats, narrowly completed a comeback, winning by just over 3,200 votes of nearly 800,000 cast. This victory positions him against Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany in the forthcoming governor’s race in November.

Hong had significant support going into the primaries. She was backed by the Milwaukee and Madison branches of the Democratic Socialists of America and influential figures like Reps. Ro Khanna and Ilhan Omar. However, controversies surrounding her prior positions, including ‘defund the police’ and ‘cancel Thanksgiving,’ created unease among Democrats about her viability in the general election. Notably, she did not receive endorsements from key progressive figures like Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, which might have been detrimental to her campaign.

Establishment’s Turnaround and Crowley’s Rise

While Hong’s campaign initially seemed unassailable, the establishment Democrats had a tumultuous time finding a consistent challenger. Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez was initially a promising candidate for the nomination, receiving Crowley’s endorsement at a point. However, campaign finance issues led to her withdrawal. Crowley then re-entered the race, eventually securing critical endorsements, including outgoing Gov. Tony Evers, which aided his narrow victory.

The primary results, with 60 percent supporting other candidates, indicate a divided party. Efforts to consolidate Democratic support behind Crowley are already underway, beginning with discussions among key party leaders. Crowley and lieutenant governor nominee Sara Godlewski aim to unify the party and present a cohesive vision to voters in the coming months.

Broader Political Landscape

Elsewhere, Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan decisively won her primary against moderate Rep. Angie Craig for a Senate seat, showing a strong progressive presence. This contrast highlights the growing divide within the Democratic Party. In Connecticut, a generational shift was marked by Luke Bronin’s victory over incumbent Rep. John Larson, bolstered by support from the state Democratic Party over health concerns related to Larson.

These results paint a complex picture of the Democratic Party’s ongoing internal debate between progressive and moderate wings.

Challenges for Crowley

Crowley’s challenge now lies in uniting a divided party. Addressing the varied interests within the Democratic base will be crucial for a strong performance against Tiffany in a state where voter turnout plays a pivotal role. The strategy involves presenting a united front and appealing to a broad spectrum of voters.