In brief
In a close primary, David Crowley, the centrist Milwaukee County executive officer, edged out progressive contender Francesca Hong by less than half a percentage point. The upset threatens to halt the Democratic Party's recent left‑wing momentum that saw candidates like Peggy Flanagan win the Minnesota Senate nomination. While Crowley’s victory is unlikely, his late‑night precinct shift of support from the Republican candidate Tom Tiffany could boost his chances in the November gubernatorial contest. The result has politicians across the nation contemplating how to balance moderate governance with anti‑establishment sentiment in the coming midterms.
In a close primary, David Crowley, the centrist Milwaukee County executive officer, edged out progressive contender Francesca Hong by less than half a percentage point, according to a projection by the BBC’s partner CBS News.
The upset threatens to halt the Democratic Party’s recent left‑wing momentum that saw candidates like Peggy Flanagan win the Minnesota Senate nomination earlier this month.
Crowley’s victory came after a brief pause last month in which he briefly dropped his bid to support a rival, illustrating the volatility of the race. He re‑entered the contest with the backing of incumbent Governor Tony Evers and managed a late surge that secured the win.
The November gubernatorial race will feature Crowley against Republican Tom Tiffany, a congressman backed by President Donald Trump who ran on a platform that emphasizes lowering taxes, supporting farmers and improving healthcare.
The result sparks debate across the political spectrum as parties weigh the appeal of the Democratic Socialists of America’s progressive agenda against a more centrist, pragmatic approach. The outcome could influence strategies in other key states during the upcoming midterms.
The fight between Crowley and Hong highlights the broader struggle within the Democratic Party, where the left wing seeks to push for systemic changes such as ending or curtailing US funding to Israel amid the Gaza conflict. This shift was also evident in other states, including Michigan, where Abdul El‑Sayed won the Democratic Senate primary against Haley Stevens.
