Wisconsin Democrats are organizing a statewide unity tour following the gubernatorial primary scheduled for Tuesday. The tour aims to address the divisions that emerged during the primary contest, as reported by Politico.
The first event will be a breakfast on Wednesday morning featuring the Democratic ticket, including Senator Tammy Baldwin and Representative Mark Pocan. Governor Tony Evers is also expected to attend. A rally is planned for Wednesday evening in Milwaukee, with Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley participating even if he does not win the primary.
This initiative follows a contentious primary where progressive and centrist Democrats debated the party's future direction and the viability of a progressive candidate in Wisconsin, a state that President Donald Trump narrowly won in 2024.
State Representative Francesca Hong, who identifies as a socialist, has emerged as a leading candidate despite facing opposition from some centrist Democrats. The primary race has seen various candidates enter and exit leading up to the election.
State Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez and former Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes have both withdrawn from the race, leaving Crowley, who is supported by the retiring Evers, as Hong's main challenger.
A poll conducted by Marquette Law School in late July indicated that Hong was leading the Democratic field with 26% support, while Barnes had 16% and Crowley had 7%. Approximately 34% of Democratic primary voters remained undecided at that time.
Hong's standing within the national progressive movement has been questioned, as prominent figures like Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders have not endorsed her. Senator Elizabeth Warren remarked that she did not know Hong when asked about her.
Hong has also faced scrutiny for previous social media posts advocating for the cancellation of Thanksgiving and defunding the police, which she later described as “bad takes.”
As the primary approaches its conclusion, the ability to build a broad coalition capable of defeating presumptive Republican nominee Tom Tiffany in November has become a key concern for Democrats.
When asked if she would support Crowley if he wins the primary, Hong affirmed her willingness to endorse him. However, Governor Evers did not commit to endorsing or campaigning for Hong if she secures the nomination, stating he needs time to assess the situation.
Crowley also refrained from committing to campaign for Hong if she wins, emphasizing his focus on appealing to Wisconsin voters rather than opposing his rivals.