Wisconsin Democrats' battle for party's future shifts to gubernatorial primary

Wisconsin's gubernatorial primary on Tuesday is shaping up as a critical test for the Democratic Party's future, highlighting the ongoing tension between its progressive and moderate wings. Voters like Sarah Miller, a software engineer from Madison, are focused on electability, expressing support for Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who has received the endorsement of two-term Gov. Tony Evers.

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We're going to focus on those undecided voters.

Crowley faces democratic socialist Francesca Hong in a contest that national observers are watching closely to gauge the party's willingness to embrace more left-leaning candidates. This primary follows a pattern seen in other states, including Michigan, where progressive Abdul El-Sayed narrowly won a U.S. Senate primary, and upcoming contests in Minnesota.

In a political landscape where outsider candidates have gained traction nationwide, Crowley is aiming to leverage Evers' popularity to secure victory. He expressed cautious optimism, noting that El-Sayed's narrow win "does give me a little bit of hope" and stated his campaign would "focus on those undecided voters."

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The divide is real.

Miller, identifying as progressive, voiced concerns about Hong's electability, calling her a "very, very weak candidate" and her popularity "a little bit of a mirage." She believes Hong "can't win" against the Republican challenger, U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany. A Marquette University Law School poll conducted in late July indicated Hong held a significant lead before former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes withdrew from the race. Crowley's own campaign faced complications after he briefly withdrew and then re-entered the race with Evers' backing, further complicated by Barnes' subsequent withdrawal amid allegations of inappropriate behavior.

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I don't think she can win.