MADISON, Wis. — Moderate Democrat David Crowley won his party's primary for Wisconsin governor Tuesday, defeating Francesca Hong in a narrow race. Crowley will now face Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany in November for one of the nation's most contested governorships.
Crowley's win comes after progressive candidates scored victories in primaries across Michigan, New York and Colorado. His victory suggests a shift in the party's primary dynamics inside a critical swing state.
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers, a two-term Democrat who is not seeking reelection, actively campaigned for Crowley. The open governor's mansion is a top prize for both parties in November.
Crowley's campaign briefly suspended operations in July. Hong, initially viewed as a frontrunner, faced negative press over past social media posts, which contributed to her defeat.
Speaking Wednesday morning, Crowley reflected on his campaign's trajectory. "Today, I stand before the people of Wisconsin after we rose from the ashes," Crowley said. "After we rebuilt this campaign with purpose, and after the people of Wisconsin decided that the bright future that working Wisconsin families deserve is worth fighting for."
Crowley credited Gov. Evers' "friendship, his leadership, and his belief that Wisconsin works best when working people come together to solve problems" as central to his campaign. Crowley accepted the Democratic nomination, saying he was "filled with gratitude, with humility and with hope."
Earlier Wednesday, Crowley's campaign said he was "ready to get back to work, build a broad coalition, and win in November." Larry Sabato, analyst at the University of Virginia's Center for Politics, said the race — previously rated a toss-up — now leans Democratic following Crowley's win.
Crowley also acknowledged Hong's campaign, calling it a reminder that "there are no long-shots when it comes to believing in a better future and fighting to expand opportunities to every family." He added that such passion "strengthens our democracy" and said he intends to earn the support of Hong's voters.
The Wisconsin governor's race carries national weight. President Trump carried the state by less than one point in 2024, and Wisconsin is one of only two states with one Democratic and one Republican senator.
Former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, who lost the 2022 Senate race by one point to Sen. Ron Johnson, had also entered the primary, as did current Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez. Crowley's win puts a moderate Democrat at the front of the party's effort to hold the state's top office.
