MADISON — Wisconsin’s Democratic gubernatorial primary remained too close to call on Wednesday as progressive state Representative Francesca Hong and moderate Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley battled for the nomination in a race that has become a test of the party’s direction ahead of the November midterm elections.
With about 94% of votes counted, Crowley held a narrow lead of roughly three-tenths of a percentage point, according to election results cited by The Wall Street Journal. The Associated Press said absentee-ballot delays, including a problem involving Milwaukee ballots, had prevented a definitive result from being declared.
The contest followed the decision by Democratic Governor Tony Evers not to seek a third term and drew national attention as Democrats debated whether to nominate a candidate closely aligned with the party’s progressive wing or one viewed as more moderate.
Hong, 37, a state representative from Madison and a democratic socialist, built her campaign around proposals including expanded child care and health care and restrictions on new data-center development. Her candidacy attracted support from the party’s left, while her previous positions and statements drew criticism from opponents.
Crowley, who briefly suspended his campaign before re-entering the race, received Evers’ endorsement. His supporters have presented him as a candidate with broader general-election appeal in a closely divided state.
The primary also featured former Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes, former Administration Secretary Joel Brennan and state Senator Kelda Roys, although the field narrowed after several candidates withdrew while remaining on the ballot. Wisconsin election officials had certified seven Democrats and two Republicans for the August primary.
The Republican gubernatorial nomination went to U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany, who is expected to face the Democratic nominee in the Nov. 3 general election. Tiffany has received former President Donald Trump’s backing.
The outcome is significant beyond the governor’s race. Democrats are seeking to regain control of the Wisconsin Legislature, which would give the party control of state government for the first time since 2010. The party also views Wisconsin as a key battleground in the 2026 elections.
As of Wednesday, the Democratic nomination had not been officially resolved, with remaining absentee ballots expected to determine whether Hong or Crowley advances to the November contest.
