State Representative Francesca Hong is leading in Wisconsin’s Democratic gubernatorial primary ahead of the Tuesday vote, while Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley is campaigning to stop her.

Both candidates are positioning themselves to win the nomination that will determine the Democratic challenger to Republican Tom Tiffany in the November general election.

The Democratic primary comes amid a national progressive movement and voter concerns about cost of living, prompting a rapid rise for Hong, a former chef and single mother who represents a heavily Democratic district.

Hong has raised the minimum wage to $20 and proposed a one‑year moratorium on new data centers, issues that resonate in Wisconsin’s recent local debates.

She has also faced scrutiny over past social media posts that advocated police defunding and criticized Thanksgiving; she has since said she would not defund police and described those posts as “hot takes” she has learned from.

Crowley, who has the backing of outgoing Governor Tony Evers, has barnstormed the state warning that a vote for Hong could help Tiffany win, a point also highlighted by the Republican Governors Association and Turning Point USA.

Hong rejects those warnings, saying she can build a broad coalition of Democrats, independents and voters who feel unrepresented by either party.

Her campaign has raised less money than other candidates and has produced no television advertisements, but recent polls show her leading by roughly 20 percentage points.

Kyle Kilbourn, a Democrat who lost to Tiffany in 2024, said he has not decided whom to support because of concerns about statewide electability.

Some Democrats worry that Hong’s ideology and past statements could affect her general‑election prospects, while others argue her focus on working‑class issues strengthens the party’s chances.

Supporters note that Hong’s campaign has turned out new voters and that she has pledged to work with Democrats across the ideological spectrum, whereas critics say her platform may alienate moderate voters.

Evers declined to commit to endorsing Hong, saying he wants to wait until after the primary, but he has used his campaign staff to aid Crowley.

Crowley said he is running for the votes of Wisconsin residents, not against any opponent, and that he would support the eventual nominee.

Hong said she would endorse and campaign with Crowley if he wins the nomination.

Analysts say the primary could shape the dynamics of the general election, with the outcome still unresolved.

The primary result will determine which Democrat confronts Tiffany in November, and the general election outcome remains uncertain.