In test of Democratic Party's future, next stop is in battleground Wisconsin

The Democratic Party is facing a significant challenge as candidates battle for the open gubernatorial seat in Wisconsin, a state that has not seen a gubernatorial election since 2010. The Democratic primary features Democratic Socialist Rep. Francesca Hong, who leads the field in statewide polls, despite efforts by some party members to unite behind an alternative candidate ahead of the Aug. 11 contest.

Hong, a former restaurant owner and representative from Madison, has been criticized for some extreme statements she made in the past, including a post in 2020 where she wrote that she wanted to "cancel Thanksgiving." She later clarified that her stance was more nuanced and that views can evolve. Despite her past social media posts, Hong maintains that she has a detailed platform with over 100 policy points, and her campaign emphasizes this in response to criticism.

If Hong wins the gubernatorial election, it could be a victory for democratic socialists, as candidates backed by the Democratic Socialists of America have been successful in primaries in blue districts in New York City and Colorado. However, Hong may face challenges in courturing independent voters against the presumptive Republican nominee, Tom Tiffany, who is backed by President Donald Trump.

Some Democrats worry that Hong's progressive views could hurt her chances of winning, especially against a Republican candidate like Tiffany. If Hong were to lose the gubernatorial race, it could make it easier for the center-left faction of the Democratic Party to regain control and focus on the next potential presidential election in 2028.