Early voting begins in Wisconsin primary featuring chaotic Democratic governor's race

By — Scott Bauer, Associated Press Scott Bauer, Associated Press By — Cybele Mayes-Osterman Cybele Mayes-Osterman Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/early-voting-begins-in-wisconsin-primary-featuring-chaotic-democratic-governors-race Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Early voting begins in Wisconsin primary featuring chaotic Democratic governor's race Politics Jul 28, 2026 1:38 PM EDT MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Early in-person voting began Tuesday in swing state Wisconsin's chaotic Democratic primary for governor, with a democratic socialist trying to overcome the incumbent governor's choice to replace him. Democrats are hoping to retain control of the governor's office and flip both chambers of the Legislature to earn full control of Wisconsin state government for the first time since 2010. But they have failed to coalesce around one candidate for the top job, spurring fears that they could miss an opportunity to win in November. Early in-person voting begins as Democrats meet for only debate The five Democratic candidates are scheduled to meet for their only debate Tuesday night ahead of the Aug. 11 primary. Insurgent democratic socialist Francesca Hong has garnered strong support among the most liberal wing of the party. Former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, who narrowly lost a 2022 U.S. Senate race, is hoping that voters in his hometown of Milwaukee help him overcome Hong, whose base is in Madison. Those two cities hold the largest number of Democratic voters in Wisconsin. Also in the race is Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who is running with the endorsement of Gov. Tony Evers. Crowley had dropped out of the race on July 8, but got back in on July 17, the day after Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez dropped out amid a campaign finance scandal. Both Crowley and Barnes are trying to become Wisconsin's first Black governor. READ MORE: David Crowley reenters battleground Wisconsin's Democratic governor primary with Gov. Evers' backing Ian Anderson, who cast his ballot in Madison on Tuesday morning, said he voted for Hong because "she's exactly the burst of energy we need." Anderson, 46, said he was "very frustrated" by Evers' late endorsement in the race. "It's the latest example of the Democratic Party meddling," said Anderson, who works for the state Department of Natural Resources. But retired attorney John Hawley, 68, said he voted for Crowley because he thinks he has a better shot at beating Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany in November. Tiffany, who is running with the backing of President Donald Trump in a state Trump won in 2016 and 2024, faces only nominal opposition in the primary. It would be "tough" for Hong to beat Tiffany, Hawley said. "I'd like to think I'm wrong, but north of Madison and Milwaukee I don't think she'll come across that well," he said in reference to more rural parts of the state. Judge hearing arguments over canceling already-filed absentee