Socialist state rep holds 27% in Patriot Polling survey of likely voters
A new poll shows state Rep. Francesca Hong leading the Democratic primary field for Wisconsin governor, with the socialist capturing 27% support in a crowded 2026 race.
The survey, conducted by Patriot Polling and released Wednesday, found Hong ahead of former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes at 18%. State Sen. Sara Rodriguez and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley each received 6%. Undecided or other candidates accounted for 43% of likely voters. The poll had a margin of error of +/- 3.5%.
In the Republican primary, U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany led with 65%. Andy Manske received 8%, with 27% undecided or other.
In a hypothetical general-election matchup, Tiffany led Hong 46% to 42%, with 12% undecided or other. The 4-point margin places Wisconsin squarely in
battleground territory.
Patriot Polling, an independent firm recognized by FiveThirtyEight, surveyed 812 registered voters from March 10-16. The full results, including the Democratic primary, Republican primary, and general-election matchup, are available here.
This is the latest poll to show Hong with a commanding share of the potential electorate, leading many to speculate about the viability of other candidates in the race. Barnes has already run statewide in the 2022 US Senate election, losing to Ron Johnson, while Sarah Rodriguez was the first to declare and should have a much higher profile as the current lieutenant Governor.
However, the Democratic primary field remains fluid, with 43% of respondents still undecided or supporting other candidates not named in the top tier.
The full poll is available via the link shared by Patriot Polling. It is the second poll released this week to show Francesca Hong in the lead for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination.
