David Crowley, a centrist Democrat and Milwaukee County executive, has narrowly won the Wisconsin Democratic primary for governor, marking a setback for the party's progressive wing. Crowley defeated Francesca Hong, a state assemblywoman and democratic socialist hopeful, according to projections by CBS News.

Crowley's victory interrupts a recent streak of wins by left-wing Democrats across the United States, who have challenged the party establishment with anti-establishment campaigns. In contrast, Crowley positioned himself as a pragmatic candidate focused on affordability, education, job creation, and expanding opportunity throughout Wisconsin.

His Republican opponent in the November general election will be Tom Tiffany, a US congressman endorsed by former President Donald Trump. Tiffany campaigns on lowering taxes, supporting farmers, and improving healthcare access.

Race Highlights and Broader Context

  • Crowley briefly withdrew from the race last month but re-entered with support from Governor Tony Evers.
  • Hong, a single mother and former chef, aimed to become Wisconsin's first democratic socialist governor but faced scrutiny over past comments on police funding and Thanksgiving, which she later retracted.
  • Unlike other progressive candidates, Hong did not receive endorsements from prominent left-wing figures such as Bernie Sanders or Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
  • Hong conceded the race and expressed pride in her campaign's efforts.

The Wisconsin result contrasts with other recent Democratic primaries where progressive candidates prevailed. For example, Peggy Flanagan won the Democratic nomination in Minnesota's US Senate race, and Abdul El-Sayed secured the Michigan Senate primary.

Progressive Democrats, often affiliated with the Democratic Socialists of America, have gained traction by opposing both Republican policies and the party's centrist leadership, including advocating for changes in US foreign policy such as reducing aid to Israel amid the Gaza conflict.

With the midterm elections approaching, Wisconsin's gubernatorial race is expected to be highly competitive and will contribute to the broader national contest for control of Congress.