Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley won the Wisconsin Democratic primary for governor, defeating state Representative Francesca Hong by approximately 3,000 votes, according to the Associated Press. With 98% of the votes counted, Crowley's victory is significant as he aims to become Wisconsin's first Black governor. This primary result may impact the momentum of progressive candidates in the state, as moderate Democrats now have an opportunity to demonstrate their electability ahead of the November elections.
Crowley, supported by Governor Tony Evers, has a background as a community organizer and state lawmaker. In contrast, Hong, who positioned her working-class background as a key aspect of her campaign, faced challenges including scrutiny over past statements and a lack of endorsements from prominent progressive figures such as Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
In the upcoming November election, Crowley will compete against Republican nominee Tom Tiffany, who has a history of questioning the legitimacy of the 2020 presidential election results. The role of Wisconsin's governor is crucial in certifying election results, raising concerns about Tiffany's potential influence in future elections.