Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley pulled off a stunning upset Tuesday night, narrowly defeating democratic socialist state Rep. Francesca Hong to win the Democratic nomination for Wisconsin governor.
Crowley, who had suspended his campaign in early July before re-entering later that month with the endorsement of outgoing Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, edged Hong by roughly 3,000 votes. Unofficial results with about 98% reporting showed Crowley with approximately 39.8% (around 313,000 votes) to Hong’s 39.4% (around 310,000). Other candidates, including state Sen. Kelda Roys, trailed far behind. The Associated Press and other outlets projected Crowley the winner early Wednesday morning after Hong conceded.
Hong had led polls by double digits—sometimes 20 to 30 points—for much of the race and was viewed as the frontrunner in a crowded field. Crowley’s late surge, fueled by Evers’ backing, donor support, and a pitch centered on electability against Republican nominee U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, overcame a massive gap late in the race.
The race remained too close to call deep into the night as results trickled in. A significant delay in Milwaukee, the state’s largest jurisdiction and a key Democratic stronghold, prolonged the uncertainty. Milwaukee election officials announced shortly before midnight that a human error had affected the reporting of roughly 15,000 to 28,000 absentee ballots.
Five of nine USB drives used to download results from tabulators contained only audit logs rather than the actual vote totals. Milwaukee Election Commission Executive Director Paulina Gutiérrez described it as “human error,” later clarifying that the wrong button had been pressed. Officials returned to the city’s Central Count facility in Bay View to re-download the correct data and transport it to the Milwaukee County Courthouse for uploading. Server issues in other counties, including Green and Winnebago, also slowed reporting.
When the Milwaukee results finally posted after 1 a.m., Crowley held a modest lead in the city and county that helped solidify his statewide edge. The delay kept both campaigns and observers waiting well past midnight, with watch parties ending without a declared winner.
Hong addressed supporters late Tuesday night in remarks that emphasized the movement her campaign had built and called for continued unity regardless of the outcome.
“I know we don’t have the final results right now, but what I do know is that we are ready to keep fighting,” she said. “And I feel confident, but more importantly, I am so deeply, deeply grateful to my core for how hard you have all fought and for what this fight, our movement, means for all of Wisconsin.”
Crowley’s campaign declared victory after Hong called to concede the race shortly after 3 a.m. Wednesday morning.
“From day one, this campaign has been about what comes next for Wisconsin: making life more affordable, strengthening our schools, creating good-paying jobs, and making sure opportunity reaches every corner of our state,” he said in a post on X. “Wisconsin, let’s get to work.”
Crowley did not address supporters after the race was called but plans an acceptance speech later Wednesday.
