Democratic socialists face a prove-it moment in battleground Wisconsin
Democratic socialist Francesca Hong is leading the primary race for governor in Wisconsin, a key battleground state. Her campaign faces scrutiny from Republican opponents who are highlighting her progressive platform as the primary election approaches.
Why it matters
The race serves as a critical test for whether far-left progressive candidates can build broad coalitions in polarized, competitive swing states.
Francesca Hong, the democratic socialist leading Wisconsin’s Democratic field for governor, could soon test whether the progressive insurgency that notched primary victories in deep-blue districts this summer can prevail statewide in a perennial presidential battleground. Polls show Hong, the 37-year-old state assemblywoman from Madison, at the forefront of the field of Democrats vying for the nomination in the August 11 primary to replace outgoing Democratic Gov. Tony Evers. The winner is all but certain to take on Republican US Rep. Tom Tiffany in November. Hong was already the frontrunner entering July. But the month saw her top two Democratic rivals’ campaigns implode. Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez exited amid a campaign finance scandal, and former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes dropped out Thursday.
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