MILWAUKEE — David Crowley, Milwaukee County Executive, won the Democratic primary for Wisconsin governor Tuesday, defeating Rep. Francesca Hong by a narrow margin to set up a general election challenge against Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany on Nov. 3.
Crowley secured 313,348 votes, or 39.8 percent of the total, with 99 percent of precincts reporting. Hong, a democratic socialist, received 310,037 votes, or 39.4 percent — a gap of more than 3,000 votes.
The outcome marks a comeback for Crowley, who had withdrawn from the race July 8 after polling in single digits, then revived his campaign July 17 with support from prominent state Democrats.
Gov. Tony Evers, who opted against seeking a third term, became a key backer, endorsing Crowley and campaigning with him across Wisconsin. After the results came in, Evers wrote on X: "He's earned this win and the accolades. I am so proud of David — he's the future of our party, and I can't wait for him to be our next governor." Evers added, "for now, we polka. Tomorrow, we're back at work to win," before addressing Crowley's general election opponent directly: "We'll see you in November."
Evers and other party figures argued Crowley had greater electability against Tiffany than Hong did, prioritizing a candidate they believed could win in November.
Hong had led in every statewide poll in the weeks before the primary — including one commissioned by Crowley's own campaign — with double-digit advantages, making Tuesday's result an upset.
Crowley's campaign manager, Garren Randolph, said: "David is ready to get back to work, build a broad coalition, and win in November."
Crowley is scheduled to speak in Milwaukee at 9 a.m. Wednesday. He is expected to thank supporters and outline his strategy for the general election.
The primary tested whether democratic socialist candidates could extend recent victories in traditionally blue states to Midwestern battlegrounds. Crowley's win suggests Wisconsin's Democratic base favored a more centrist approach.
