David Axelrod, a senior strategist for former President Barack Obama's presidential campaigns, weighed in on the Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial primary, suggesting that state Rep. Francesca Hong's potential loss in the August 11 primary election could benefit other progressive candidates.
Axelrod posted to X that it would be "good" if Hong loses her bid to become the Democratic nominee for governor, citing concerns about how Republicans might connect Hong's more left-leaning positions with other Democratic candidates.
Hong responded directly to Axelrod on X, writing: "This tweet is a perfect example of why the consultant class keeps losing elections. They're totally clueless, and they're hellbent on keeping working-class people out of politics." She added: "I've spent more time in kitchens than faculty lounges. Perhaps you'd like to come to Wisconsin and work a Friday night dinner rush with me?"
The primary race was reshaped last month when Mandela Barnes, the state's former lieutenant governor, dropped out of the contest. Barnes had been considered a frontrunner due to his proximity to outgoing Gov. Tony Evers and his statewide name recognition.
With Barnes out, Hong and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley remain as the two main contenders for the Democratic nomination. Evers has endorsed Crowley.
What the Left Is Saying
Progressive supporters of Hong have defended her candidacy and pushed back against criticism from party insiders like Axelrod. Hong's campaign is backed by the Democratic Socialists of America, and she has embraced that identity publicly.
"I'm a proud democratic socialist. I'm not advancing a brand. I'm focusing on the policies, the socialist policies that improve lives," Hong told NOTUS last week.
Hong's supporters argue that her working-class background and policy positions resonate with Democratic voters who want more aggressive action on economic issues. Her advocacy for universal childcare, a $20 minimum wage, and publicly run grocery stores reflects an economic agenda that progressive activists say addresses root causes of inequality.
Critics within the left also acknowledge the strategic tension Axelrod raised—that general election positioning matters—and note that Democrats have historically struggled in statewide races when perceived as too far left on certain issues.
What the Right Is Saying
Republicans are watching the primary race closely, with some noting that Hong's policy positions could present contrast opportunities against the eventual Democratic nominee. Wisconsin is considered a competitive state in federal elections.
Hong has proposed eliminating Immigration and Customs Enforcement, supporting noncitizen access to state-issued IDs, opposing continued U.S. support for Israel, and advocating for publicly run grocery stores. She has also faced scrutiny for past comments suggesting Americans should cancel Thanksgiving due to smallpox during the colonial era and calling for defunding police departments.
Republicans have argued that such positions could complicate Democrats' efforts in a statewide race where moderate suburban voters often decide competitive elections. Wisconsin's political history shows the state can favor candidates with broader bipartisan appeal in general elections.
A Republican National Committee spokesperson noted that the party would contrast any Democratic nominee's record against Republican messages on public safety, economic growth, and immigration policy.
What the Numbers Show
Wisconsin has a history of close statewide elections. The 2024 presidential race showed Wisconsin as competitive territory, with both parties investing significant resources there.
The August 11 primary will determine which Democrat faces the Republican nominee in the November 3 general election. Polling conducted before Barnes' exit showed him leading the field, but recent surveys have shown Hong gaining momentum.
Wisconsin's governor's office has shifted between parties over recent cycles. Evers, a Democrat, currently holds the seat but was re-elected by narrow margins in 2022.
Hong would need to secure the nomination through the primary before facing whatever Republican emerges from that party's contest.
The Bottom Line
The dispute between Axelrod and Hong reflects broader tensions within the Democratic Party about electoral strategy and how progressive policy positions affect statewide competitiveness. The August 11 primary will determine whether Hong advances to the general election or if Crowley becomes the Democratic nominee.
If Hong wins, Republicans have signaled they would emphasize her more left-leaning proposals in an effort to tie moderate voters away from the Democratic ticket. Democrats supporting Hong argue that exciting progressive voters matters more than appealing to centrists.
What happens next: Primary results will be closely watched for what they signal about Democratic voter preferences heading into November. The eventual nominees from both parties will likely spend months defining their general election contrast before the November 3 vote.