Wisconsin is holding a Democratic gubernatorial primary on Tuesday as voters select a nominee to succeed outgoing two-term Gov. Tony Evers. The contest represents another significant intra-party battle following a similar matchup in Michigan’s recent Senate primary, with observers viewing it as potentially indicative of the Democratic Party’s broader direction.
The Democratic field has narrowed to four active candidates. State Rep. Francesca Hong, a former restaurant owner and self-described democratic socialist who entered the race in 2025, has positioned herself as a leading contender. Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who briefly exited the race in July, returned with an endorsement from Evers. Former state cabinet secretary Joel Brennan and state Sen. Kelda Roys remain in the race. Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez withdrew due to campaign finance challenges, while former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes suspended his bid after reports emerged regarding past allegations of inappropriate behavior—allegations his campaign denied. The names of Rodriguez, Barnes, and former economic development director Missy Hughes, who dropped out in June, will still appear on the ballot.
On the Republican side, U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany faces minimal opposition for the GOP nomination and has secured President Donald Trump’s endorsement. Tiffany has substantially outraised the Democratic field, reporting $13.3 million in total fundraising as of July 27 with approximately $5 million in cash on hand, compared to Hong and Crowley each raising slightly over $1 million. The general election winner will inherit a state with competing electoral dynamics: Wisconsin has a 64-year streak of electing governors from the opposite party of their predecessor, which would favor Republicans, though national midterm patterns typically punish the sitting president’s party.
Wisconsin’s state legislative races are also consequential. Following the state Supreme Court’s 2023 decision to strike down gerrymandered maps, Democrats made gains in 2024 and believe they could potentially flip control of one or both chambers. Additionally, one Republican-held U.S. House district is viewed as a top Democratic target in the party’s effort to retake the chamber. Polls close at 8 p.m. Central Time, and approximately 235,000 ballots had already been cast as of Friday.
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