Socialist candidate Francesca Hong holds a commanding lead in the upcomiing Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial primary, according to recent polling data. The State Navigate survey indicates Hong has secured 44% of the vote among likely Democratic voters, placing her well ahead of her competitors.
The 22-point gap in the State Navigate poll
The State Navigate survey, conducted between August 3 and August 6, shows a significant divide between the frontrunner and the rest of the field. Francesca Hong holds 44% of the support, while former assembly member David Crowley follows in second place with 22%. State Senator Kelda Roys currently sits in third with 11% of the vote.
According to the report, the survey reached 1,473 likely Democratic primary voters across Wisconsin and carries a margin of error of +/- 2.3 percent. When excluding undecided voters—who make up only 9% of those surveyed—Hong's dominance remains clear, maintaining 42% support compared to Crowley's 21%.
A 62% Democratic preference for democratic socialism
A broader ideological shift within the party appears to be fueling Hong's momentum in the race. This trend is supported by a summer poll from the Economist/YouGov, which indicated that 62% of Democrats would support a candidate who advocates for democratic socialism. This suggests that the socialist label, once a political liability, is becoming increasingly acceptable to the Democratic base.
As the report notes,Hong's potential victory would represent a significant win for the American socialist movement.. This movement has increasingly seen its members challenge establishment Democratic candidates in hopes of securing major wins in general elections.
Past calls to abolish the U.S.. Senate and prisons
Hong's political identity is tied to several controversial past statements that have resurfaced during her campaign. The candidate has previously expressed radical views, including public aspirations to abolish both the United States Senate and the American prison system. These stances have drawn scrutiny as she seeks a broader mandate.
Social media posts from recent years have also highlighted her disdain for several major American holidays.. In 2020, Hong called for the cancellation of Thanksgiving, and in 2022, she criticized the "emotional and physiacl labor" associated with Valentine's Day, characterizing the holiday as a product of capitalism.
The August 11 primary and the Tom Tiffany matchup
The upcoming August 11 primary will determine whether Hong can translate her primary dominance into a general election victory. If she wins the Democratic nomination, she is expected to face Republican Representative Tom Tiffany in the general election.
Several questions remain regarding her path to the governorship. It is currently unknown how Hong's radical policy positions and controversial social media history will resonate with moderate voters outside the Democratic primary base. Furthermore, the survey does not clarify how the potential matchup against Tom Tiffany might shift the current polling numbers for the general election.
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