Political pundits proclaiming that Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) darling Francesca Hong’s loss in the Wisconsin Democrat gubernatorial primary proves that the left is not drowning in socialism are painting with too broad a brush and ignoring the nuances that made this election a possible outlier, for now.
First, the outcome was razor thin. David Crowley, who was endorsed by Democrat Gov. Tony Evers, received 39.8 percent of the vote, whereas Hong received 39.3 percent. Crowley, running in the moderate, establishment lane, led a savvy campaign centered on “lowering costs for working families” and only won by less than 4,000 votes.
Furthermore, Crowley’s current position as Milwaukee County Executive more than likely led to him winning Milwaukee County, the second-largest county in the state. Had Hong beaten Crowley in Milwaukee, as she did in Dane County, the largest county in Wisconsin, she would have won the entire election.
This is an important point because most chapters of the DSA are in or near urban enclaves like Milwaukee, and to date, nearly all the DSA success has occurred in metropolises.
Hong’s loss in Milwaukee County shows that DSA candidates may have widespread support in coastal cities, but they still face an uphill climb in Midwest municipalities.
In November, this likely means that Detroit voters will determine whether Michigan's Abdul El-Sayed, who is backed by the DSA, becomes a member of the U.S. Senate.
Second, Hong was a lackluster candidate on the campaign trail who failed to enthrall audiences with her anti-America, free-stuff rhetoric. Unlike El-Sayed and DSA-aligned New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Hong was low-energy and far from a captivating speaker.
Although it is incredibly superficial, Hong’s monotone speaking style, absence of a constant beaming smile, and deficiency in quick wit on the stump was a stark contrast to Mamdani and El-Sayed.
Whereas Mamdani and El-Sayed are social media superstars, Hong was ham-handed and ho-hum.
Third, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), the kingmakers of the DSA, refused to endorse Hong.
Sanders’ lack of endorsement was especially flagrant given that he has endorsed nearly all other DSA candidates over the past several years. Sanders was asked multiple times whether he backed Hong in the campaign’s closing weeks, and every time he dodged and weaved.
Perhaps Sanders and AOC had access to internal polls that did not bode well for Hong. Maybe they had a hunch that she would not win. Regardless, the fact that the two most recognizable and influential democratic socialists in America sat on the sidelines of this race says something.
Fourth, and this should not be minimized, Hong has inserted her foot into her mouth too many times and has an awful history of berating the people of Wisconsin and even Culver’s fast food restaurant.
In 2019, Hong described a trip to Culver’s in which she had to leave after experiencing an “anxiety attack” over the number of “old, white people” in the restaurant!
The lesson here is simple: If you consistently demonize white people, who account for exactly 84.7 percent of Wisconsin residents, you might not win some of their votes when you run for statewide office.
Incredibly, despite all these shortcomings, Francesca Hong and her dubious DSA policies still almost won the Democrat Party’s gubernatorial nomination in a swing state that President Donald Trump carried in the 2024 election.
With socialism surging among young Americans, I worry that Hong’s close loss portends that the Midwest could fall to socialism in the foreseeable future.
If the DSA infiltrates the heartland and continues to amass support in places like Wisconsin, 2028 could be the year that the DSA, not the GOP, dismantles what is left of the once impenetrable “blue wall” of the Rust Belt states.
Chris Talgo ([email protected]) is editorial director at The Heartland Institute.
Editor’s Note: The 2026 Midterms will determine the fate of President Trump’s America First agenda. Republicans must maintain control of both chambers of Congress.
Help RedState continue to report on the Democrats’ radicalism and inform voters as our nation faces a crossroads. Join RedState VIP and use promo code FIGHT to receive 60% off your membership.
Join the conversation as a VIP Member