Democratic Candidates in Wisconsin’s Gubernatorial Race Debate without Attacking Each Other
The five Democratic candidates vying for the governorship of Wisconsin largely avoided direct attacks during their first and only debate on Tuesday night, as the contentious campaign heads into its final two weeks.
As early voting approaches for the critical primary set for August 11, party members have expressed concerns over the competitiveness of the Democratic nominee in the general election. A significant portion of the party’s electorate remains undecided, yet none of the candidates targeted the frontrunner, Madison state Rep. Francesca Hong, who identifies as a Democratic Socialist.
The most intense moment of the hour-long debate surfaced between two leading contenders, Lt. Gov. Mandela Burns and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. Burns criticized Crowley, highlighting a campaign fueled by special interests, a jab referencing Crowley’s re-election backed by outgoing Gov. Tony Evers after a sudden withdrawal of Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez.
“We’re told that county executives revived campaigns for special interests, with people in dark rooms and their thumbs on scales,” Burns remarked. “With such leadership, things remain unchanged. We need to pursue better alternatives.”
In response, while Crowley did not directly engage with Burns’s comments, he noted, “I was actually born into the struggle,” positioning himself as not defending the establishment.
The remaining candidates, including state Sen. Kelda Lloyd and former Executive Secretary Joel Brennan, exhibited a shared vision on several key policy issues. They focused on initiatives such as reducing property taxes, re-evaluating the school voucher system, and implementing higher taxes on individuals earning over $1 million annually.
Interestingly, Hong’s affiliation with the Democratic Socialists of America did not spark any contention among her rivals, though concerns regarding her potential electability against Republican nominee Rep. Tom Tiffany loom large as the battleground state prepares for the November election.
Throughout the campaign, Hong has been scrutinized for her previous calls to defund and abolish the police, alongside her notion that a “perfect world would be one without prisons.” However, when prompted about these stances during the debate, she softened her rhetoric significantly.
Candidates Discuss Funding and Public Safety
During her response, Hong distanced herself from certain tenets of the DSA’s national platform, stating, “I don’t fully support the platform of the national DSA, nor do I have their endorsement. Democratic socialism prioritizes working-class interests.” She went on to emphasize her commitment to enhancing public education funding, imposing taxes on the wealthy, and investing in universal childcare and affordable housing.
Expressing a desire to promote inclusivity within the party, Hong remarked, “I look forward to contributing to the Democrats’ goal of becoming a big tent party.” In a later discussion about the implications of raising taxes on high-income individuals, she suggested that her policies could also serve the interests of wealthier residents.
“We can enhance the quality of life for billionaires so they, too, can thrive in our state,” Hong asserted.
The debate also broached the recent police-involved shooting of a Madison man, provoking protests and calls for accountability. Notably, this discussion showcased a marked shift from Hong’s previous comments supporting police defunding.
Last week, she labeled the shooting as an “execution” but clarified during the debate her stance on police funding: “I won’t endorse any budget that cuts police funding. The role of the governor is not to defund; it is to prioritize public safety.” This theme resonated with other candidates, who also expressed alarm over the recent events.
Burns echoed the sentiment, stating, “We should all be alarmed by these images and videos. As a society, we must strive to ensure that such incidents do not recur, but I will not support any effort to defund law enforcement.” Crowley reinforced this resolve, calling for necessary police reforms while emphasizing the importance of funding.
Burns, who previously lost a Senate race in 2022, touted his status as the only candidate to have won a statewide position. Crowley aimed to distinguish himself by claiming that no other candidates have the experience of running a local government.
Questions arose regarding trust in Crowley’s judgment following an NBC News report unveiling a long-standing social media account featuring inflammatory posts about women, race, and derogatory remarks about the LGBTQ community.
“I’m dedicated to delivering tangible results for Wisconsinites,” Crowley responded, highlighting his endorsement from Evers and strong backing from unions and state leaders who believe in his leadership ability.
