Wisconsin Assemblywoman Francesca Hong leads the latest Marquette University Law School poll, but a massive amount of voters remain undecided.
The latest Marquette University Law School Poll reveals that Wisconsin’s crowded Democratic gubernatorial primary is wide open, but Rep. Francesca Hong (D-Madison) holds a narrow lead over former Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes ahead of the August 11 primary.
65% of Democratic primary voters have not yet chosen a candidate, but among those with preferences, state Hong led narrowly with 11% support, followed closely by Barnes at 10%. Current Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez trailed at 6%, while Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley received just 3%. Other candidates, including Kelda Roys, Missy Hughes, Joel Brennan, and Brett Hulsey, polled at 2% or less.
The poll underscores low voter engagement in the race: 35% of all registered voters had heard “nothing at all” about the gubernatorial campaigns, and 58% had heard only “a little.” Name recognition remained limited for most contenders—only Barnes exceeded 50% statewide (61%), while Rodriguez stood at 33%, Hong at 29%, and Crowley at 26%. Among Democrats, many candidates struggled with visibility and favorability.
Notably, the two leading candidates—Hong, known for far-left stances on issues like housing and labor, and Barnes, who campaigned on bold affordability and health care reforms in prior races—are often viewed as among the field’s more liberal voices. Their modest combined support highlights the fragmented primary and challenges for more establishment or moderate figures like Rodriguez and Crowley, who have performed poorly despite higher-profile roles.
With months until the primary, the results suggest Democratic voters are largely disengaged or awaiting more information, likely setting the stage for major shifts in polling as campaigning intensifies and awareness grows.
