Among the candidates, a self-described democratic socialist has not only made a name for herself, but is positioned as the frontrunner for the nomination.

Could a Democratic Socialist Win?

State Rep. Francesca Hong, 37, has gained strong momentum through her grassroots campaign, maintaining an impressive margin of support over her opponents, most notably Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who is endorsed by Gov. Evers.

Democratic polling data from State Navigate found Hong leading the pack with 44% support, ahead of Crowley in second place with 16%.

Hong’s views have come under scrutiny, given her now-disavowed 2020 position supporting defunding the police, in which she said, “I support defunding the police as a first step towards abolishing the police.”

Her platform calls for universal childcare, paid leave for all, funding public schools, and affordable healthcare. Crowley is running on affordable housing, public healthcare, public safety, and tax relief.

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Following the recent close race for the Michigan Senate Democratic nomination, where Abdul El-Sayed defeated Haley Stevens, progressives feel emboldened, believing that the party's momentum is shifting away from moderate views. However, it remains a gamble whether voters will subscribe to the drastic shift in views, fearing the Democratic Party may stray too far from its traditional ideals, which in turn may jeopardize the November general election.

Regardless, energized voters in Wisconsin are seemingly hitching their wagon to Hong’s ticket, despite Crowley and Evers' attempts to rouse moderate voters.

Republicans Tight Hold

Democrats will need to win Wisconsin to have a chance of taking the White House in 2028; however, it will be an uphill battle, as President Donald Trump won the state in 2024. The GOP has maintained a firm grip on Wisconsin, as two gubernatorial candidates vie for the Republican nomination. Tom Tiffany is favored to become the nominee over Andy Manske, after currying favor with Trump for voting against certifying the results of the 2020 election.

Tiffany has criticized the Wisconsin Democratic Party, saying members have surrendered to socialism, adding that they are unable to stand against ideologies that call for abolishing the police, prisons, and borders.

Campaign contributors to Hong have stated that her prior stances on controversial subjects like defunding the police are merely a smokescreen to derail her campaign, highlighting that her current views do not match those in quotes taken over five years ago.

In response to said claims, Tiffany took to his social media accounts, saying that Hong’s ideologies remain the same and calling her position on abolishing police and prisons current after earning an endorsement from the Wisconsin Electoral Socialists.

Polls close at 9 p.m. ET.