Democratic Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley is leading his Republican opponent in the race to become Wisconsin's next governor, and he can thank support from independents and Democrats who previously supported his progressive primary challenger Francesca Hong, according to an Aug. 26 poll by the Marquette Law School.
"Democrats feature greater party loyalty with 98% likely voters supporting Crowley, although enthusiasm is low among Hong supporters," Kevin Conway, the communications director for Marquette, said in a press release.
Crowley lead his Trump-backed opponent, U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, in the poll, 49% to 44% among likely voters, with 7% of voters undecided, according to Marquette. When it comes to independents, Crowley has a 17-point
lead with 35% compared to Tiffany's 18%, but among likely independent voters, Crowley's lead spiked to a 39-point difference, with 55% of voters compared to Tiffany's 16%.
Democrats are rallying behind Crowley, according to the poll, but "enthusiasm is low" among supporters of Hong. Crowley beat Hong by less than half a percentage point in the Democratic primary, which was another example of the internal Democratic Party battle this cycle between established moderates and progressives, including democratic socialists, that is testing just how far left the party is headed.
Hong, a 37-year-old state legislator and member of the Democratic Socialists of America, was projected to win in polls, but Crowley ultimate beat his younger, more progressive colleague. On July 8, Crowley withdrew from the primary, but nine days later, on July 17, he re-entered the race when his endorsed Democratic candidate dropped out.
"Among Democratic registered voters with a favorable opinion of Hong, 52% are very enthusiastic about voting, while among those favorable to Crowley, 63% are very enthusiastic," Conway said. He added the caveat that "this lessened enthusiasm among those favorable to Hong does not result in more support for Tiffany in the governor’s race."
Voters described Crowley as the more moderate candidate when stacked up against Tiffany, with 23% saying he is moderate, 32% characterizing him as liberal and a smaller 16% pinning Crowley as very liberal. Tiffany was viewed as very conservate by 37% of voters, conversative by 39% and moderate by only 5% of voters.
Where Tiffany did lead Crowley: His favorability – and unfavorability – in the poll were both higher. Thirty-nine percent of Wisconsinites polled said that they had a favorable opinion of Tiffany, while 42% said they had an unfavorable opinion of the congressman, and 18% said they haven't heard enough. Crowley saw 33% of voters express a favorable opinion, compared to 29% unfavorable and 38% of voters who hadn't heard enough.
The race is open, after current Wisconsin Democratic Gov. Tony Evers announced in July 2025 that he would not seek reelection because he wanted to spend more time with his family. Democrats hope to hold onto the governor seat, and according to Marquette, it is close but leaning in Democrats' favor.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Crowley leads WI governor race, Hong supporters backing him, poll says
