Francesca Hong Tops Wisconsin Democratic Gubernatorial Primary Polls

State Representative Francesca Hong is leading the Democratic primary for Wisconsin governor, according to a Marquette Law School poll released on July 22. The poll shows Hong ahead of former lieutenant governor Mandela Barnes and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who re‑entered the race on July 18 with the endorsement of outgoing Governor Tony Evers. Hong’s campaign has drawn national attention and significant support among registered Democrats, while establishment Democrats have struggled to coalesce around an alternative candidate. Former Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez exited the race in late June amid a campaign‑finance scandal, further fragmenting the field.

The Republican Governors Association has spent more than $2 million on attack ads against Hong, portraying her as a “crazy” candidate compared with Republican nominee Tom Tiffany, who is positioned as the “common‑sense” choice for the general election. Hong’s platform includes proposals such as defunding the police, creating a state‑owned bank, and expanding health‑care and childcare programs, reflecting a broader trend of democratic‑socialist candidates gaining traction in urban areas.