MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley won Wisconsin’s Democratic primary for governor on Tuesday, narrowly defeating state Representative Francesca Hong in a closely contested race, according to election results.
Crowley received about 39.8% of the vote, compared with 39.4% for Hong, a margin of slightly more than 3,000 votes, according to results reported after the Aug. 11 primary.
The victory puts Crowley, who briefly suspended his campaign before re-entering the race in July, in the November general election against Republican U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany. Outgoing Democratic Governor Tony Evers endorsed Crowley after his return to the race.
Crowley’s victory also makes him the first Black major-party nominee for Wisconsin governor, according to the Associated Press. If elected in November, he would become the state’s first Black governor.
Hong, a Madison lawmaker and democratic socialist, had led several polls before the primary. Her campaign attracted support from progressive voters, while Crowley sought to consolidate more moderate Democratic support.
Republicans nominated Tiffany in their primary. Wisconsin’s general election for governor is scheduled for Nov. 3.
The primary result remains subject to the state’s normal election certification process.
