Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley secured a significant victory over democratic socialist Francesca Hong in the Wisconsin Democratic governor’s primary on Wednesday, August 12th, 2026, according to projections from Decision Desk HQ.

Crowley’s win defied a series of polls that had shown him trailing Hong by more than 20 percentage points. Hong’s campaign had attracted national attention as part of the party’s growing democratic socialist wing. Crowley, a center-left candidate, received endorsements from retiring Gov. Gwen Moore (D-Wis.) and Democratic National Convention Representative Alex Lasry.

This primary outcome marks a crucial win for moderate Democrats, who have recently been overshadowed by democratic socialists in other primary races in states like New York and Colorado. Following Crowley’s victory, Sabato’s Crystal Ball changed its rating of the Wisconsin governor’s race from a “toss up” to one that leans Democratic.

The shift signals that Crowley could potentially defeat Wisconsin’s Republican gubernatorial nominee, Rep. Tom Tiffany, in the November general election. Crowley is also notable as one of several Black men running for governor nationwide.

Sources