The five Democratic candidates for governor in Wisconsin participated in a debate on Tuesday, August 11, primarily focusing on policy issues rather than attacking each other, with early voting underway and a significant portion of Democratic voters still undecided. For context, the Wisconsin Democratic primary is scheduled for August 11, with the general election to follow in November. The debate featured Francesca Hong, a state representative from Madison and democratic socialist, along with former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, state Sen. Kelda Roys, and Joel Brennan, former secretary of the Department of Administration.

Wisconsin Governor Candidates' Policy Positions

The candidates expressed near-total agreement on various issues, including lowering property taxes, scaling back a school voucher program, and taxing individuals earning more than $1 million annually. Notably, Hong's affiliation with the Democratic Socialists of America did not emerge as a point of controversy during the debate, despite concerns from some Democrats that she may be too far to the left to defeat the likely Republican nominee, Rep. Tom Tiffany, in November.

Hong faced questions about her past comments on defunding and abolishing the police, as well as her opinion that a "perfect world would be a world without prisons." In response, she softened her stance, stating, "I do not support the full platform of the national DSA, and I am not endorsed by DSA national. What democratic socialism is is a form of government that puts working-class people first." Hong also reiterated her support for stronger public education funding, taxing the rich, and investing in universal childcare and affordable housing.

Key Issues and Candidate Positions

A discussion about whether wealthy Wisconsinites would flee the state if they were taxed more led to Hong expressing hope that they, too, could benefit from her proposed policies. "We can improve the quality of life for millionaires and ensure that they, too, will be able to live, work and thrive here in our state," she said. The candidates also addressed the fatal shooting of a Madison man by a police officer, with Hong backing off from her previous statements supporting cutting funding for police departments.

The debate highlighted areas of agreement among the candidates, including their responses to the police shooting. Barnes stated, "We should all be very disturbed by what we saw in those images, what we saw in the video, and we should fight as hard as we possibly can, as a state, as a people, as a society, to make sure that never happens again." Crowley emphasized the importance of transparency, saying, "we cannot defund the police." The primary election is scheduled for August 11, and voters will have the opportunity to choose their preferred candidate for the general election in November.

What's Next for Wisconsin Voters

As the primary election approaches, Wisconsin voters will be watching for further developments in the campaign. With early voting already underway, voters can expect to see increased campaign activity and debates in the coming weeks. The general election is scheduled for November, and the Democratic nominee will face off against the Republican candidate, likely Rep. Tom Tiffany. Voters can stay informed about the candidates and their positions on key issues by following local news and campaign updates.

  • Francesca Hong: state representative from Madison and democratic socialist
  • Mandela Barnes: former Lt. Gov.
  • David Crowley: Milwaukee County Executive
  • Kelda Roys: state Sen.
  • Joel Brennan: former secretary of the Department of Administration