The state of Wisconsin has no Senate race in 2026, but does have a gubernatorial race to succeed Democratic Governor Tony Evers, who chose not to run for reelection, after two terms, even though he was eligible under the state constitution to run again, had he chosen to do so.
The Republican nominee will be Congressman Tom Tiffany, but the Democrats are deeply divided between “Establishment” Democrats and “Democratic Socialists”.
Three Democrats are contending, with Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley endorsed by Governor Evers.
Also running is former Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes, backed by California Senator Adam Schiff, and state assemblywoman Francesca Hong, who is backed by California Congressman Ro Khanna, and identifies with “Democratic Socialism”.
The thought is that Hong may have an edge in public opinion polls, but would have more trouble winning the race against Tom Tiffany, than either Crowley, or Barnes.
Were Hong to end up as the nominee, she would be the highest ranking “Democratic Socialist” on the ballot in the nation in November, other than Michigan Senate contender Abdul El Sayed if he defeats Haley Stevens in the primary on August 4, more prominent than the two women in New York City and the woman in Denver who have been nominated, and likely will sit in Congress.
Hong would be seen, if she won in the primary on August 11, as the most prominent “Democratic Socialist”, as would El Sayed, if either won, other than NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
But there is strong concern that not only could Michigan’s Senate race go to the Republicans, but also that the Wisconsin Governorship could go to the Republicans, if the opposition can convice voters that El Sayed and Hong are too extremist in their orientation.