Wisconsin Democrats Begin Absentee Voting for Gubernatorial Primary

In-person absentee voting began Tuesday, July 28, for the Democratic gubernatorial primary in Wisconsin ahead of the August 11 election. The contest features a divided field, including democratic socialist Francesca Hong, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, former Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes, and candidate Joel Brennan.

David Crowley enters the race with the endorsement of Governor Tony Evers. The primary has been disrupted by the withdrawals of former state economic director Missy Hughes and Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez. In response, the Democratic Party of Wisconsin filed a lawsuit to enable ballot spoiling, a process that would allow voters to cancel previously mailed ballots and cast votes for remaining candidates.

The candidates are scheduled to participate in their only debate on Tuesday night. The winner of the primary will advance to the general election in November to face Republican U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany.