Francesca Hong Leads Wisconsin Democratic Primary as 2 Top Rivals Exit Before Aug. 12 Vote
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · Aug 5
Francesca Hong Leads Wisconsin Democratic Primary as 2 Top Rivals Exit Before Aug. 12 Vote
3 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Aug 5
Summary
Francesca Hong has become the all-but-presumed Democratic frontrunner in Wisconsin after Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes and Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez dropped out amid scandals, leaving Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley as her main remaining rival.
Months of polling leads and a grassroots message centered on free child care, school funding, taxing billionaires and a moratorium on AI data centers have helped Hong overcome a major fundraising disadvantage.
Crowley, who reentered the race last month and has Gov. Tony Evers' endorsement, argues the contest is still fluid and points to Michigan as evidence Hong can still be caught.
Hong still lacks endorsements from Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and if she wins Tuesday's primary she would face Trump-endorsed Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany in a race likely to test her appeal beyond progressive Democrats.