Republicans are attempting to influence the Democratic primary for the Wisconsin governor's race, aiming to elevate a candidate they believe would be easier to defeat in the general election. The GOP's focus is on state Rep. Francesca Hong, a progressive candidate known for her left-wing views. The Republican Governors Association's affiliate, Right Direction Wisconsin, is spending over $2 million on advertisements that appear to attack Hong while attempting to boost her appeal among Democratic voters.
Hong, who won a primary in 2020 with 28% of the vote and has since been reelected without opposition, is viewed as a strong candidate. Polling shows that her positions, particularly regarding ICE, align with the majority of Democratic voters in Wisconsin. However, the Democratic primary has seen limited polling data, and the field of candidates is becoming narrower as some contenders have dropped out.
Currently, Hong has raised over $700,000 for her campaign, while her opponents, including Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, have faced challenges with fundraising and campaign management. Rodriguez's campaign has experienced significant setbacks, including a failed ad buy and discrepancies in reported funds. Other candidates in the race include former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes and Joel Brennan, both of whom have also raised substantial amounts.
Despite the GOP's efforts to elevate Hong, her more controversial views, such as advocating for police abolition, could pose challenges in the general election. The primary is set for August 11, 2026.