In Wisconsin, David Crowley defeats Francesca Hong in Democratic primary for governor

Accessibility links Skip to main content Keyboard shortcuts for audio player Open Navigation Menu --> Newsletters NPR Shop Get NPR+ Close Navigation Menu Home News Expand/collapse submenu for News National World Politics Business Health Science Climate Race Culture Expand/collapse submenu for Culture Books Movies Television Pop Culture Food Art & Design Performing Arts Life Kit Gaming Music Expand/collapse submenu for Music Tiny Desk New Music Friday All Songs Considered Music Features Live Sessions Podcasts & Shows Expand/collapse submenu for Podcasts & Shows Daily Morning Edition Weekend Edition Saturday Weekend Edition Sunday All Things Considered Up First Here & Now NPR Politics Podcast Featured Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me! Fresh Air Wild Card with Rachel Martin It's Been a Minute Embedded Get NPR+ More Podcasts & Shows Search Newsletters NPR Shop Get NPR+ Tiny Desk New Music Friday All Songs Considered Music Features Live Sessions About NPR Diversity Support Careers Press Ethics In Wisconsin, David Crowley defeats Francesca Hong in primary for governor David Crowley is the Milwaukee County Executive and could become the state's first Black governor. He narrowly defeated Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist who drew enthusiastic support. He narrowly defeated state Rep. Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist whose campaign had challenged the party establishment. Crowley had at one point actually suspended his foundering campaign, facing low poll ratings and scarce campaign funds. But he relaunched it days later with the backing of outgoing Democratic Gov. Tony Evers in an effort to turn back the momentum by Hong. Loading... The Hong loss comes after progressives saw a series of wins in recent primaries around the country. But the narrow margin of the loss still signals Democratic voters seeking change. Crowley, 40, would be the state's first Black governor if he wins in the fall. He will face U.S. Rep. One of Congress' most conservative members by voting record, Tiffany challenged 2020 election results. But as Trump's approval ratings have fallen, Tiffany has worked to define himself as a Wisconsin everyman, and a steady alternative to Democratic chaos. Republicans see the fall election as a chance to flip the governor's mansion their way. Democrats hope to hold it and turn at least one chamber of the legislature, where both are now controlled by the GOP. He raised almost three times as much money after relaunching his campaign as he had in the entire year prior to when he had briefly suspended it. He told voters that national Republican-aligned groups spent millions propping up Hong, ostensibly in an effort to select an opponent they saw as beatable. But Crowley chafed at being called an establishment alternative to a progressive upstart. He's a native of inner city Milwaukee, who grew up experiencing eviction and drug addiction in his family. He rose through political positions, working on Democratic U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold's 2010 reelection campaign, before joining the state Assembly. Sponsor Message Become an NPR sponsor