What Francesca Hong’s Defeat Means for Democrats
The democratic socialist’s rise in Wisconsin was supposed to portend a major breakthrough for the left. Her narrow loss should still be a wake-up call for the Party’s establishment.
Francesca Hong's defeat in Wisconsin's Democratic primary for Senate highlights the challenges faced by left-wing candidates in the party. Hong, a democratic socialist, narrowly lost to David Crowley, the Milwaukee County Executive, by a small margin. The final stages of the Wisconsin race were marked by the presence of Governor Tony Evers, who campaigned against the Democratic Party's perceived mistake and urged voters to get back on track.
Evers' forceful approach drew attention, as he even addressed the possibility that Hong might not have been electable in a general election. Hong's campaign had some strengths, such as her unique background and support for expanded unionization and a skeptical view of the police. However, she struggled with media performances and was criticized for old tweets, ultimately appearing defensive.
The defeat of Hong, who had garnered significant support, may not carry as much weight due to the lower level of involvement from the Democratic Party's left wing. The final races in Wisconsin suggest that the Democratic Party's left wing still struggles to connect with older, non-college-educated, and suburban/rural voters. The party's limited experience with democratic-socialist members of Congress underscores the difficulties in building a compelling case.
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