DSA-backed candidate rises in Wisconsin governor’s race as Democratic field narrows

Following Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez's withdrawal from the Wisconsin gubernatorial race, State Rep. Francesca Hong, a Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) member, and former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes have emerged as the leading Democratic candidates for the August 11 primary. Hong has a history of anti-Israel activism, including opposing Wisconsin's adoption of the IHRA antisemitism definition and introducing legislation to repeal the state's anti-BDS contracting law. She has also called for defunding the police and recently apologized for reporting an image of an Israeli flag with red paint as a potential hate crime. Hong has raised over $1 million and is endorsed by Reps. Ilhan Omar and Ro Khanna, with the Milwaukee DSA stating she is "advancing our socialist movement to the state level." Barnes, her main rival, previously belonged to an anti-Israel organization but received Jewish Democratic Council of America endorsement in 2022 after affirming support for U.S. aid to Israel. Governor Tony Evers is reportedly considering backing Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley to reenter the race.