RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 3 sourcesThe slew of Democratic primaries underscores a growing divide within the party
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After progressive Dr. Abdul El-Sayed swept to a stunning victory in Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary earlier this week, eyes are turning to a flurry of Democratic primaries in Wisconsin.
Similar to Michigan’s tight-necked race , the Democratic primary for the gubernatorial race later this year has underscored a growing divide between the party’s establishment and more left-wing.
Four candidates remain in the race, which takes place on August 11 - the same day as a slew of Congressional races, three of which have become electoral flashpoints.
Unlike in Michigan, there is no Senate primary on the ballot in Wisconsin when voters go to the polls.
Democratic socialist Francesca Hong has attracted much of the press attention in the race so far, having been criticized over previous calls to defund the police and to cancel Thanksgiving. The professional chef later walked back those comments, saying Turkey Day is actually her “favorite” holiday, according to The Hill.
While Hong stated during the Democratic gubernatorial debate that as governor, she could not defund law enforcement.
The state representative is running on a slew of left-wing policies , including free school meals, universal child care, developing new BadgerCare programs and guaranteeing paid leave for all workers.
Hong is facing off against three other candidates, including Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who has been endorsed by outgoing Governor Tony Evers.
On his campaign website , Crowley says that his lived experience has informed how he would govern.
“David never knew if he would come home from school to find his family's belongings on the curb due to another eviction, food in the kitchen, or the heat and lights still on,” the website reads, adding that both of his parents battled addiction and mental health struggles.
Policies focusing on the cost of living and making the state more affordable have formed the bedrock of his campaign.
Also in the running is state Senator Kelda Roys, who has pledged to make the state entirely powered by clean energy in 2050 and to allow Wisconsinites to buy into the same health insurance that state employees have. Roys’ allies have painted her as being a meticulous politician.
“She wants to break down every tiny piece,” Carousel Bayrd, a former Dane County supervisor, told Wisconsin Public Radio . “I think that that’s what sets her apart. The level of intentional attention to detail.”
The fourth candidate is Joel Brennan, a former secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Administration.
On his campaign website , Brennan touts his economic credentials and says that he built a budget surplus worth nearly $4 billion while in Governor Evers’ cabinet.
“I grew up the tenth of eleven kids in Wisconsin, a family long on potential, sometimes short on resources,” he said. “My parents made sure we understood that if you worked hard and showed up, this state would give you a shot.”
Brennan added, “That's the Wisconsin I believe in, and it's the Wisconsin I'm fighting to protect.”
Whoever wins on August 11 will go head-to-head with Republican Representative Tom Tiffany, whom Trump has given his “Complete and Total Endorsement” on social media .
Democrats in this district are hoping to defeat U.S. Representative Bryan Steil.
Mitchell Berman, an ER nurse, is running against rivals Lorenzo Stantos and Miguel Aranda.
Berman has often referenced his healthcare background in his campaign, while Stantos has focused on raising the minimum wage. Aranda has focused on supporting unions and immigration reform.
Rebecca Cooke, the 2024 Democratic nominee, and Emily Berge, the former president of Eau Claire City Council, are running to be the candidate to face Republican Derrick Van Orden.
Cooke has been endorsed by Senator Bernie Sanders but narrowly lost to the Republican candidate in 2024.
Berge has voiced support for universal health care and for making housing affordable.
Three Democrats are running to become the candidate for Congressional District 8, including democratic socialist Katrina deVille.
DeVille, a transgender woman, has voiced her support for free child care and universal healthcare. The candidate also says that she would file articles of impeachment against the president.
DeVille is running against Rick Crosson, an Army veteran, and retired business owner Mark Scheffler.
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