Shock: Dem Establishment’s Crowley Defeats DSA-Backed Hong in Photo Finish Wisconsin Gov Primary
RedState has reported extensively on the Wisconsin gubernatorial primary race, which saw a lot of action on the Democrat side amid a scramble from establishment Democrats to ward off a serious challenge from state Rep. Francesca Hong, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA).
It looks like establishment Dems will get their wish, with Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley projected by Decision Desk HQ in the early morning hours as the winner over Hong, who maintained a commanding presence in polling throughout her campaign but was unable to bring it home for her campaign.
Decision Desk HQ projects David Crowley wins the WI Governor Democratic Primary#DecisionMade: 2:20 AM EDT pic.twitter.com/L62dgBcbNH
— Decision Desk HQ (@DecisionDeskHQ) August 12, 2026
Here’s a look at how the polling was for Hong versus the actual final result (at 95 percent reporting). Roughly 3,000 votes separate the two. Pollsters are definitely going to be in the hot seat after this one:
The Wisconsin polls since July 1 and the final election result: pic.twitter.com/j5DYSGsqpV
— Byron York (@ByronYork) August 12, 2026
SEE ALSO: Francesca Hong Showboats (Again) With Hasan Piker As Democrat Panic in Wisconsin Intensifies
Watch: Wisconsin Dem. Francesca Hong Try to Run From Her Record on Live TV
The establishment’s original pick in this race was Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, who ended up suspending her campaign in mid-July amid a finance reporting scandal where donations were overcounted, which meant she had much less money on hand than originally thought. Rodriguez announced her campaign’s suspension ten days after Crowley had dropped out of the race and endorsed her.
As we also reported, the panicked establishment quickly convinced Crowley to jump back into the race, with retiring Gov. Tony Evers’ backing. Though the time to convince Democrat voters was short, it ended up being enough to help Crowley defeat Hong, though very narrowly, showing the Democrat electorate in Wisconsin is, as it is in Michigan, deeply divided over the direction of the party.
Crowley will go on to face Rep. Tom Tiffany (WI-07), the Trump-backed Republican gubernatorial nominee, in the fall election.
Decision Desk HQ projects Tom Tiffany wins the WI Governor Republican Primary#DecisionMade: 9:07 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/8K3EC86qcW
— Decision Desk HQ (@DecisionDeskHQ) August 12, 2026
Editor’s Note: The 2026 Midterms will determine the fate of President Trump’s America First agenda. Republicans must maintain control of both chambers of Congress.
Help RedState continue to report on the Democrats’ radicalism and inform voters as our nation faces a crossroads. Join RedState VIP and use promo code FIGHT to receive 60% off your membership.