On August 11, 2026, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley secured the Democratic nomination for governor of Wisconsin in a closely contested primary, edging out state Rep. Francesca Hong by a razor-thin margin. With nearly all votes counted, Crowley received about 39.8% (roughly 313,000 votes) to Hong’s 39.4% (about 310,000 votes). State Sen. Kelda Roys finished third with 7.5%, followed by former Department of Administration Secretary Joel Brennan at 4.7%. Several other candidates who had suspended their campaigns earlier remained on the ballot and took smaller shares.
The primary followed the decision by incumbent Democratic Gov. Tony Evers not to seek a third term, creating an open seat in the competitive swing state. The Democratic field started crowded, with seven candidates qualifying for the ballot. Late withdrawals by former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, and Missy Hughes (whose names still appeared) and Crowley’s own temporary suspension and re-entry—bolstered by Evers’ endorsement—shaped the final contest. Hong, a democratic socialist and Madison state representative, had led in many pre-election polls and drew progressive support, while Crowley positioned himself as a more moderate, electable alternative backed by party establishment figures.
The Associated Press called the race for Crowley early on August 12 after Hong conceded, eliminating the prospect of a recount in the exceptionally tight contest (Crowley’s lead was under 1 percentage point but above the threshold that would have required the challenger to fund a recount). Crowley, the first Black Milwaukee County executive and a former state assembly member, has highlighted his executive experience and ability to compete statewide. He is seeking to become Wisconsin’s first Black governor.
Crowley will face Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, who easily won his party’s primary, in the November 3 general election. The matchup is expected to be closely watched in a key battleground state.
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