Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial nominee David Crowley on Wednesday pushed back against the notion that his narrow primary victory over democratic socialist Francesca Hong represented a blow to the progressive movement.
During an appearance on CNN's “The Source,” host Kaitlan Collins pressed Crowley on whether The Wall Street Journal's characterization of him as the “man who halted progressive momentum” was fair. Crowley responded, “Absolutely not.”
Crowley, who has served as Milwaukee County executive since 2020, edged out Hong, a state assembly member and self-described democratic socialist, by less than a percentage point in Tuesday's primary. Polls had suggested Hong held a lead going into the contest, making her defeat a notable outcome.
But Crowley argued that progressivism should be measured by legislative results rather than ideological labels. “How do you pass policies and implement laws that actually [have] a positive impact on the communities that you represent?” he asked, underscoring his focus on tangible outcomes.
He also took aim at the broader political narrative, saying, “A lot of people have tried to focus on the progressives versus the establishment, or insiders versus outsiders. All I know is that not enough people have had a seat at the table. And I was told that if you don't have a seat at the table, you're on the menu.”
The general election will pit Crowley against Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany, who cruised to victory in the GOP primary. Crowley framed the race as a fight against “MAGA extremism,” pointing to Tiffany's alignment with former President Trump. “At the end of the day, we need to make sure that we can defeat Donald Trump's legacy and make sure that Tom Tiffany doesn't become our governor,” he said.
However, Crowley sidestepped specifics when Collins pressed him on Hong's more progressive proposals, including a state-run public bank, state-run grocery stores, free taxpayer-funded childcare, statewide Medicare for All, and abolishing ICE—the latter being beyond state authority. “We don't agree on all of those different positions that you just named off,” Crowley said, without elaborating, adding that “MAGA extremism is not the way that we want to go.”
The primary results have sparked broader discussion about the Democratic Party's direction, with some seeing mixed outcomes for progressives in Tuesday's races. Crowley's win, while narrow, has shifted attention to the Wisconsin governor's race, which Democrats view as increasingly competitive.
His victory also drew attention from national figures, including Rep. Ro Khanna, who had endorsed Hong and stood by that decision after her defeat. Meanwhile, some progressives see the primary as a warning to party leadership, while others point to other wins as evidence the movement remains strong.
Crowley's campaign now pivots to a general election battle in a state that remains a key battleground, with both parties eyeing the governor's mansion as a prize in the ongoing fight over the political future of the Midwest.
