The Democratic Divide: Wisconsin’s Primary a Microcosm of Party’s Identity Crisis

The Democratic Party’s civil war has moved to Wisconsin, mirroring the conflict in Michigan last week. This time, it’s not just about progressive versus moderate ideologies; it’s about the party’s very identity and what kind of candidate will win come November.

Sarah Miller, a software engineer from Madison, embodies this divide. While acknowledging the tension between progressives and moderates, she focuses on winning in November. Her decision to vote for David Crowley, the Milwaukee County executive endorsed by Governor Tony Evers, highlights the pragmatic approach many Democrats are taking.

Wisconsin’s primary is not just a test of how far the party will swing left; it’s also an opportunity to gauge whether moderates can regain their footing. Crowley’s campaign banks on voters who believe Francesca Hong, the democratic socialist candidate, cannot win in November against Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany.

A Marquette University Law School poll conducted in late July showed Hong with a significant lead over other candidates. However, these results may not hold up under intense campaigning and negative ads from both sides. Crowley’s decision to withdraw from the race on July 8 and re-enter ten days later has added to the chaos.

The complexities of this primary are complicated further by Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez and former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes dropping out amidst controversy. Their names remain on the ballot, meaning votes already cast for them cannot be undone.

The Electability Question

Electability is at the heart of this primary. Miller’s assessment that Hong is a “very weak candidate” and her popularity is “a little bit of a mirage” echoes sentiments expressed by many Democrats. This raises questions about the party’s priorities, with winning taking precedence over principles.

Hong has been busy addressing controversies surrounding past social media posts and statements about defunding the police. She has clarified or backtracked on some comments in recent days, but the damage may already be done.

The Evers Endorsement

Governor Evers’ endorsement of Crowley is significant, but not necessarily decisive. In Michigan, Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s endorsement of Rep. Haley Stevens failed to yield a victory. Even with Evers’ backing, Crowley insists he is not an establishment Democrat, despite his lengthy experience in politics.

What This Means for November

Wisconsin’s primary reflects the party’s identity crisis. The progressive versus moderate divide has been exacerbated by the presence of two polarizing candidates. The question on everyone’s mind is: what does this mean for November?

For some, it’s a simple case of pragmatism versus principle. For others, it’s about the soul of the party. Will Democrats prioritize winning at all costs or stand firm on their values? The answer lies in Wisconsin.

As voters head to the polls on Tuesday, one thing is clear: this primary has been a wild ride. It remains to be seen whether Crowley can overcome his opponents and emerge victorious. But what’s at stake goes far beyond just who wins – it’s about the very identity of the Democratic Party itself.

Wisconsin will not be an easy sell for either candidate come November, but one thing is certain: this election has exposed a deep-seated divide within the party that will take more than just a primary victory to heal.