Wisconsin voters head to the polls today for a primary election that marks the first open governor’s race in the state since 2010, following incumbent Democratic Governor Tony Evers’ decision to decline a third term. Polls are open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m., and anyone in line at 8 p.m. can vote.
The Democratic primary features four candidates competing to succeed Evers. State Representative Francesca Hong, a 37-year-old Madison chef and former restaurant owner, leads the field with 38 percent support among Democratic primary voters in the most recent Marquette Law School poll. She faces Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, state Senator Kelda Roys, and former Department of Administration Secretary Joel Brennan.
Hong has built what supporters describe as a grassroots movement, hosting hundreds of campaign events across Wisconsin from karaoke nights to ramen pop-ups. She raised over $1.1 million for her campaign and became the first Asian American member of the Wisconsin Legislature when elected to the state assembly in 2020. Her platform includes universal childcare, fully funding public schools, and a one-year moratorium on datacenter construction—a position she argues differentiates her from other Democratic candidates.
The Democratic primary has been marked by dramatic shifts in recent weeks. Former Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes exited the race on July 30, and Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez dropped out after campaign finance irregularities emerged. David Crowley initially left the race in early July but re-entered on July 17 with the backing of Governor Tony Evers, a rare move by the outgoing governor that surprised many Democrats.
The Stakes for State Control
Democrats aim to win full control of Wisconsin state government for the first time since 2010, a goal that requires flipping two state Senate seats and five Assembly seats while keeping the governor’s office. Republicans have held the state legislature since 2011 and enacted aggressive conservative policies, including gerrymandered districts that protected their majority even during the 2018 Democratic wave that elected Evers.
On the Republican side, U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany is running unopposed in the primary with endorsements from the state GOP and President Donald Trump. A Marquette poll from late July showed Tiffany leading Hong in a hypothetical general election matchup by 3 percentage points, though among voters certain to vote in November, the two were tied.
Voters can register to vote at their polling place on Election Day, and Wisconsin’s Democratic primary for governor happens today with Hong leading according to the latest polling data. For those seeking more information, Wisconsin governor primary narrowed to 4 candidates ahead of August 11 vote provides details on how the field evolved.
Sources
- ECIKS.org — Democratic primary candidates, Hong’s polling lead, campaign strategy, race dynamics, stakes for state control
- Wisconsin Public Radio — primary date, polling hours, candidate information, primary voter guide
- Ballotpedia — primary date, candidate list, first open race since 2010, filing deadline
- City of Milwaukee Elections — polling hours (7 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
- PBS Wisconsin — candidate backgrounds, Evers’ retirement announcement, state control stakes
