The Democratic primary for governor in Wisconsin has drawn attention with its unexpectedly close race between two prominent figures: State Representative Francesca Hong and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. As of late Tuesday night, the unofficial results showed the two candidates in a tight contest, leaving the outcome uncertain.
Earlier in the evening, Crowley appeared to have a slight edge, although the margin remained narrow. This unexpected development came as a surprise to many, given that recent polls had indicated Hong was leading by a significant margin.
At her election night event in Madison, Hong addressed her supporters, stating, “Wisconsin, we have built something that will change politics forever. The work we have done will be remembered forever. I know we don’t have the final results right now, but what I do know is that we are ready to keep fighting.”
For Crowley, the primary marks a remarkable recovery after he temporarily suspended his campaign last month. He re-entered the race with the support of Governor Tony Evers, which significantly boosted his campaign’s resources. In the late stages of July, Crowley raised nearly three times the amount of funds he had collected earlier in the year.
At his election night gathering in Milwaukee, Crowley’s supporters watched eagerly as the results were broadcasted. However, a delay in results due to a human error at Milwaukee’s central count site added to the suspense.
“These things can happen,” commented Paulina Gutiérrez, Milwaukee Election Commission Executive Director, explaining that the error involved downloading audit logs without the results.
U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore, one of Crowley’s supporters, assured the crowd that while things looked promising, patience was necessary. Some attendees left after Moore’s remarks, as Crowley chose not to address the crowd.
The close contest has defied expectations, drawing national interest, particularly from those curious about the potential for another democratic socialist victory in the state. Hong, initially considered an underdog, had gained traction among progressive voters with her unconventional and left-leaning strategies.
Meanwhile, in the Republican primary, U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany easily secured his party’s nomination, setting the stage for a general election showdown. Tiffany, who had the backing of former President Donald Trump, was unfazed by the tight Democratic race, stating, “There’s not a dime’s worth of difference between the Democrat candidates.”
Close elections are familiar ground in Wisconsin
Wisconsin is no stranger to narrow election outcomes, with statewide races often decided by slim margins. This trend is evident in past presidential races and other key elections within the state.
Tony Evers’ narrow victory over Scott Walker in 2018 and close Supreme Court races underline the competitive political landscape. The state’s 2017 recount law allows for a recount if the margin falls within 1 percent, providing a potential path forward if the Democratic primary remains as tight as it currently appears.
