Wisconsin dodged bullet as socialist Hong loses primary race

Wisconsin businesses feel they have escaped a potential blow after Democratic socialist Francesca Hong lost her primary race. This outcome came according to Kurt Bauer, the president and CEO of Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce. He called it dodging a bullet.

"My flip answer would be to open up a history book and learn how socialism has failed everywhere it's been tried," Bauer told Fox News Digital. "And it would fail here in Wisconsin as well. So from that perspective, we've dodged a bullet in the state of Wisconsin."

State Rep. Hong fell short last month while chasing the Democratic nomination for governor. The primary drew intense attention across the nation. Observers watched closely to see if Democrats in battleground states preferred their progressive wing or their establishment before November's general election.

Hong, a Madison lawmaker and member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), lost her bid. She was defeated by Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. Polls had shown her holding a significant lead earlier on. Crowley topped her by a razor-thin margin at the finish line.

Retiring Gov. Tony Evers backed Crowley. Both men warned that nominating Hong could endanger Democratic control of the governor's mansion in November. They feared this risk weighed heavily during the campaign in Wisconsin, a perennial swing state.

Hong faced trouble over her positions and efforts to backtrack from past statements. These included previous calls to abolish the U.S. Senate and criticizing Thanksgiving. Such issues became central to the campaign.

"The person who won the primary said himself that he basically has the same policy that she has," Bauer explained to Fox News Digital. "So he might be a little bit better on some of the issues, but he still represents, I think, a concern for the business community on taxes, on healthcare, and some of the other major issues that they care about."

WMC conducts a biannual survey involving 200 business leaders to gauge how state policies impact small businesses. The Winter 2026 survey revealed deep worry among Wisconsin owners regarding the state's direction. WMC reported that 71% of businesses saw an increase in property tax bills for their owned or leased commercial property over the past year. Just 1% saw a decrease.

Nearly half of those surveyed said President Donald Trump's tariffs hurt their business operations negatively. Only 12% reported a positive impact from these trade measures.

"Overall, Wisconsin employers seem to be lukewarm," Bauer concluded. "Although we see hints of optimism like increased hiring and a relatively good outlook for the U.S. economy, businesses are still frustrated with high healthcare costs and finding capable employees."

Crowley's campaign responded to Bauer's comments with a sharp statement sent to Fox News Digital. Under his leadership, major corporations brought business and thousands of jobs to Milwaukee County. As governor, he will work with members of both parties to balance the budget. He aims to create good-paying, family-supporting jobs just as he has done as county executive.

The spokesperson added another point regarding Congressman Tiffany. They claimed he supported every single one of Donald Trump's tariffs that are crushing Wisconsin's manufacturers and farmers. The statement also noted he went years without paying his own taxes.

Crowley emphasizes a track record supporting businesses. As Milwaukee County executive, he secured millions in grants for local enterprises. He helped negotiate bipartisan legislation to keep the Milwaukee Brewers in the city through state funding agreements. His office credited this business-friendly climate with helping the region's tourism industry generate $4.4 billion in total economic impact. This contribution marked Wisconsin's fourth consecutive record-breaking year for tourism.

Infrastructure is moving forward under Crowley's Building Bridges program, which offers technical help and $10,000 grants to small businesses. His office also pulled in federal money, including an $8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to redevelop a terminal at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport. That project should spawn hundreds of construction jobs.

Labor unions have lined up behind him. The Wisconsin AFL-CIO, Plumbers Local 75, and the IBEW Wisconsin State Conference represent 15,000 electrical workers who endorsed Crowley. They see his record as a reason to vote for change in November.

Tiffany's camp still speaks highly of Tiffany despite this opposition. "We don't do actual endorsements, but we do get involved in the races," Bauer said regarding his group's involvement. "We have a 501(c)(4) for issue advocacy, so we will support pro-business candidates in the election." He stopped short of a direct call to action on the governor's race but promised member education on both sides' stances.

"We have worked with Congressman Tom Tiffany from his days in the state legislature," Bauer added. "We know him very well. We know what he stands for. He's been very pro-business. He's an ally of the business community. He wants investment into the state, and he understands that in order to do so, you have to have the right business climate."

Wisconsin business owners weighed in on the upcoming election. Dane Leceski owns "Gents, Chaps, & Blokes" and served as a political consultant before entering the industry himself. "I do believe that Wisconsin really dodged a bullet when it came to David Crowley winning over Francesca Hong," he said. The race will pit Crowley against Tiffany, a House Freedom Caucus member with Donald Trump backing him. Polls view this matchup as one of the GOP's top chances nationwide to flip a seat.

Crowley's team pushed back hard on those claims about his fiscal record. "David Crowley worked with Republicans and Democrats to balance budgets, deliver surpluses, expand affordable housing, and pass property tax cuts in Milwaukee County," the campaign said in response to Fox News Digital. They painted a starker picture of their rival. "Congressman Tom Tiffany didn't pay his personal income taxes for years, and his entire economic agenda is giving tax breaks to big tech billionaires by slashing healthcare funding." The spokesperson insisted they cannot trust him with state finances.

Tiffany replied directly to the criticism in a statement sent to Fox News Digital. He shared his background as an entrepreneur who ran a seasonal dinner boat business in northern Wisconsin for nearly 20 years before entering politics. "My wife, Chris, and I owned and operated a seasonal dinner boat and excursion business," he wrote. "Before we ever took home a dollar, we had employees counting on us, fuel to buy, and a boat and equipment to maintain and improve." He noted that they paid all taxes owed in full and on time, a discipline that led him into public service.

He argued that Crowley lacks small business experience. "David Crowley has never run a small business," Tiffany stated. His campaign says Crowley's local record would hurt families by raising property and sales taxes statewide. Taking that approach across the board would make Wisconsin less competitive, he warned. Current data already shows the state ranking 40th in job creation from 2018 to 2025, with some lists placing it among the bottom 10 for new business starts. Tiffany promised to lower taxes and cut red tape if elected. He believes his plan will make Wisconsin a place where employers have every reason to invest. The state has the people and work ethic to lead the country, he said.

We just need a governor who will get government out of the way and let Wisconsin reach its full potential." This sentiment drove the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) to back Tom Tiffany for governor after its political arm made an endorsement. The group clarified that these votes carry no party affiliation but instead rest on voting records, public statements, and answers from a candidate questionnaire provided by each contender.

Lauren Wilbor, speaking as a representative for SEMA's PAC known as Driving Force Action, told Fox News Digital that the organization views itself as the political voice for business owners, builders, racers, manufacturers, and enthusiasts who empower the automotive aftermarket industry. That sector generates a staggering $337 billion economic impact across the entire United States annually.

Wilbor explained why Tiffany received a clear endorsement ahead of the primary election. She felt he was the right choice to support Wisconsin's business economy while expressing real concern that Francesca Hong might be elected instead.

Gregg McKarns, who owns Madison International Speedway, voiced strong support for policies designed to protect local venues like his own. While conditions are good here in Wisconsin today, he wants them to stay that way. Hearing about potential property tax increases feels concerning because the facility sits on fifty acres of land. Running this kind of business requires a lot of space, and losing ground could be disastrous.

Hong's campaign office and Governor Evers' administration did not respond to requests for comment regarding these endorsements or concerns over local businesses. The race moves forward with significant backing from industry groups who fear the wrong governor could stifle their sector.