Wisconsin upset: moderate Crowley beats socialist Hong in the primary

David Crowley, Milwaukee County Executive, pulled off an upset by narrowly defeating democratic socialist Francesca Hong in Wisconsin’s Democratic gubernatorial primary, in one of the most closely watched races of the day.

A nail-biter victory

The primary, considered a barometer of the Democratic Party’s internal divide, was decided by a handful of votes. Crowley, a moderate backed by the party establishment, capitalized on the support of Tony Evers, the incumbent governor, against the progressive candidate who mobilized the left-leaning base.

Why it matters

Wisconsin is one of the swing states that define national elections in the United States. Crowley’s victory sets the tone of the Democratic campaign in the Midwest and is read as a signal that the party is betting on centrist candidates to regain ground.

The key figure

Milwaukee. The county Crowley governs and the base from which he built a victory that reshapes Wisconsin’s race for governor.