One of the more closely watched political races on Tuesday is out of Wisconsin, where progressive Francesca Hong is leading in the polls in the Democratic governor primary. Politico notes that a victory by Hong, a democratic socialist, would show that left-wing politics can triumph in a statewide race and perhaps show that a national candidate such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez could fare well as a 2028 presidential contender. And yet AOC and other prominent progressive figures such as Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren have largely steered clear of Hong, a state lawmaker. Publicly, they say it's because they don't know her. But Politico reports that privately, some prominent progressives have questioned her vetting and message discipline.
Hong carries baggage Republicans are eager to exploit, and the New York Times rounds up some of her more controversial past statements, including calling for the elimination of the "colonizer holiday" of Thanksgiving and for defunding the police. Hong has disavowed such "bad takes" in recent interviews and has instead been leaning on local economic issues to rally frustrated Democrats. Wisconsin Democrats, meanwhile, are prepping a "unity tour" after the primary, aware that if Hong emerges to face Trump-backed Republican Tom Tiffany, she'll need to persuade wary moderates in a state where "socialism" polls poorly. Outgoing Democratic Gov. Tony Evers is pushing for David Crowley to succeed him.
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