{"id":2643464,"date":"2026-08-12T06:14:02","date_gmt":"2026-08-12T10:14:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/francesca-hong-loses-to-david-crowley-in-wisconsin-gubernatorial-primary\/"},"modified":"2026-08-12T06:16:52","modified_gmt":"2026-08-12T10:16:52","slug":"francesca-hong-loses-to-david-crowley-in-wisconsin-gubernatorial-primary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/francesca-hong-loses-to-david-crowley-in-wisconsin-gubernatorial-primary\/","title":{"rendered":"Francesca Hong loses to David Crowley in Wisconsin gubernatorial primary"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">20<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Ffrancesca-hong-loses-to-david-crowley-in-wisconsin-gubernatorial-primary%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2643464&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>Wisconsin State Representative Francesca Hong, backed by the Democratic Socialists of America, narrowly lost the Democratic primary for governor to Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who won with 39.8% of the vote compared to Hong\u2019s 39.4%. Despite leading in polls and generating enthusiasm among younger and progressive voters, Hong\u2019s past controversial social media posts about canceling thanksgiving and defunding the police drew attention, though she has since apologized and retracted those comments. Her defeat highlights challenges for socialists in winning statewide elections, even amid growing influence within the Democratic Party. The primary was competitive, with Hong leading a crowded field that included moderate candidates like Kelda Roys, sara rodriguez, and Mandela Barnes. Wisconsin&#8217;s next governor will face Republican Tom Tiffany, endorsed by Donald Trump, in November. The race is considered a toss-up, reflecting the strong political polarization and the influence of the progressive wing within the state.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<article class=\"fn-body\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/wisconsin\/\" data-type=\"post_tag\" data-id=\"239\">Wisconsin<\/a> state Rep. <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/francesca-hong\/\" data-type=\"post_tag\" data-id=\"23344\">Francesca Hong<\/a> lost the Democratic gubernatorial nomination in Tuesday\u2019s <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/primaries\/\" data-type=\"post_tag\" data-id=\"2655\">primary<\/a> election to Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, detracting from socialists\u2019 recent electoral victories.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Crowley secured the primary win with 39.8% of the vote, compared to Hong\u2019s 39.4%, according to the <em>Associated Press<\/em>.<\/p>\n<section class=\"explore-more-section\" id=\"wex-recommended-widget\">\n<div class=\"magazine-container single\">\n<h1 class=\"magazine-title mt-2\">Recommended Stories<\/h1>\n<p>             <i class=\"fa-solid fa-play icon\"><\/i>         <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-grid\">\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/4681834\/max-miller-reelection-price-tag-ohio-expensive-plummeted-in-polls\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>Max Miller\u2019s reelection campaign could come with a hefty price tag<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/4680277\/ai-deepfake-election-advertising-laws-what-to-know\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>AI deepfake election advertising laws vary state by state: What to know<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/4679495\/airbnb-karen-bass-pay-to-play-la-rental-policy\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>Airbnb\u2019s $750,000 to Karen Bass fuels pay-to-play claims over LA rental policy<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hong consistently led the crowded Democratic primary field against the more moderate Crowley, Wisconsin state Sen. Kelda Roys, Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, and former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, among others. The DSA-backed candidate was considered the front-runner as she generated excitement among younger people in the progressive wing of her party.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wex-inarticle-ad wex-inarticle-ad-art-dsk-inart-1\">\n<div class=\"wex-ad-wrap wex-ad-art-dsk-inart-1\" style=\"min-height:90px\"><span class=\"wex-ad-label\" hidden>Advertisement<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-3182201-15\" data-wex-ad=\"art-dsk-inart-1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hong also stoked controversy over her <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/biden-fcc-nominee-sits-on-board-of-group-that-opposes-anti-sex-trafficking-efforts\/\" title=\"Biden FCC Nominee Sits on Board of Group That Opposes Anti-Sex Trafficking Efforts\">past social media posts<\/a> about <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/congressional\/4676618\/francesca-hong-thanksgiving-favorite-holiday\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/congressional\/4676618\/francesca-hong-thanksgiving-favorite-holiday\/\">canceling Thanksgiving<\/a> and <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/state\/4674341\/francesca-hong-abolish-police-white-supremacy\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/state\/4674341\/francesca-hong-abolish-police-white-supremacy\/\">defunding the police<\/a>. She has now moved away from those resurfaced comments, calling them \u201cbad takes.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/interactive\/polls\/wisconsin-governor-election-polls-2026.html\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/interactive\/polls\/wisconsin-governor-election-polls-2026.html\">Multiple polls<\/a> showed Hong with a double-digit lead over her competitors. In a poll <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/statenavigate.org\/wi\/final-poll-shows-francesca-hong-with-22-point-lead-in-wisconsins-democratic-governor-primary\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/statenavigate.org\/wi\/final-poll-shows-francesca-hong-with-22-point-lead-in-wisconsins-democratic-governor-primary\/\">released by State Navigate<\/a> four days before the primary, she held a 22-point advantage over Crowley. Her lead against Roys was even greater, at 33 points.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Her loss on Tuesday contributes to socialists\u2019 difficulty winning in statewide election. Though the organization has seen huge gains in their influence in the party, Democratic leaders worry about candidates\u2019 strength when it comes to the general election.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wex-inarticle-ad wex-inarticle-ad-art-dsk-inart-2\">\n<div class=\"wex-ad-wrap wex-ad-art-dsk-inart-2\" style=\"min-height:90px\"><span class=\"wex-ad-label\" hidden>Advertisement<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-3182201-16\" data-wex-ad=\"art-dsk-inart-2\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Gov. <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/tony-evers\/\" data-type=\"post_tag\" data-id=\"3062\">Tony Evers<\/a> (D-WI), who is retiring at the end of his second term, endorsed Crowley last month after the candidate decided to reenter the race. Rodriguez suspended her campaign around the same time that Crowley rebooted his, though Rodriguez remains on the ballot. Evers\u2019s preferred successor, a mainstream Democrat, was considered the party\u2019s best chance at taking on Hong, a member of the <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/democratic-socialists-of-america\/\" data-type=\"post_tag\" data-id=\"5861\">Democratic Socialists of America<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Democratic nominee will be challenging Rep. <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/tom-tiffany\/\" data-type=\"post_tag\" data-id=\"21412\">Tom Tiffany<\/a> (R-WI) to succeed Evers in November. Tiffany was the only major candidate in the Republican primary race and was endorsed by President <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/donald-trump\/\" data-type=\"post_tag\" data-id=\"4\">Donald Trump<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/state\/4682754\/mike-lindell-lisa-demuth-minnesota-governor\/\">TRUMP-BACKED MIKE LINDELL FALLS TO LISA DEMUTH IN MINNESOTA GOVERNOR PRIMARY<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"wex-inarticle-ad wex-inarticle-ad-art-dsk-inart-3\">\n<div class=\"wex-ad-wrap wex-ad-art-dsk-inart-3\" style=\"min-height:90px\"><span class=\"wex-ad-label\" hidden>Advertisement<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-3182201-17\" data-wex-ad=\"art-dsk-inart-3\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Republicans hope they can take back the governor\u2019s mansion, though Tiffany had a slightly better chance of defeating Hong in the general election than Crowley.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Cook Political Report, which <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cookpolitical.com\/governor\/race\/479616\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.cookpolitical.com\/governor\/race\/479616\">rates the race<\/a> as a toss-up, said Democratic voters in the state were \u201cpoised to nominate a democratic socialist as their candidate for governor, showing the reach of the party\u2019s left flank in one of the nation\u2019s quintessential swing states.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wex-inarticle-ad wex-inarticle-ad-art-dsk-inart-4\">\n<div class=\"wex-ad-wrap wex-ad-art-dsk-inart-4\" style=\"min-height:90px\"><span class=\"wex-ad-label\" hidden>Advertisement<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-3182201-25\" data-wex-ad=\"art-dsk-inart-4\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Hong loses primary to Crowley in Wisconsin governor race<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2159,"featured_media":2643465,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/AP26219770355334-e1786528110197.jpg?w=696","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[33651],"tags":[84030,32321,63525,56854,4124],"class_list":["post-2643464","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-western-journal","tag-david-crowley","tag-election-results","tag-francesca-hong","tag-gubernatorial-primary","tag-wisconsin"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/AP26219770355334-e1786528110197.jpg?w=696","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2643464","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2159"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2643464"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2643464\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2643468,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2643464\/revisions\/2643468"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2643465"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2643464"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2643464"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2643464"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}