Wisconsin Democratic governor debate stays friendly as rivals spare Hong

The Wisconsin Democratic governor debate on Tuesday gave voters a surprisingly polite hour, even with early voting already underway and the Aug. 11 primary closing in.

Five candidates shared the stage for the first and only debate of the primary: state Rep. Francesca Hong of Madison, Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, state Sen. Kelda Roys and Joel Brennan, the former Department of Administration secretary.

Hong, described by NBC News as the polling front-runner, did not face direct attacks from her rivals during the debate, despite concern among some Democrats about whether she could win a general election in Wisconsin. NBC News has reported that Rep. Tom Tiffany is the likely Republican nominee.

What happened at the Wisconsin Democratic governor debate?

The candidates spent much of the night sounding similar notes on policy. They backed lowering property taxes, reducing the state’s school voucher program and raising taxes on people making more than $1 million a year.

The only sharp moment came when Barnes criticized Crowley over his return to the race this month after Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez dropped out and outgoing Gov. Tony Evers endorsed Crowley.

Barnes said Crowley’s campaign had been “resurrected by special interests in a dark room” and argued that Wisconsin should expect more from its leaders. Crowley did not answer that line directly, but later said he had been “born into struggle” and was “not here to protect the establishment.”

Crowley also leaned on his record in local office, saying none of the other Democrats had run local government the way he has. Barnes, who narrowly lost Wisconsin’s 2022 U.S. Senate race, described himself as the only candidate onstage who had won statewide.

How did Francesca Hong answer questions about democratic socialism?

Hong, a democratic socialist, was pressed by moderators about her ties to the Democratic Socialists of America and about positions associated with the national group. She distanced herself from parts of the national DSA platform and said she has not been endorsed by the national organization.

Hong defined democratic socialism as government focused on working-class people. She pointed to public school funding, higher taxes on the wealthy, universal child care and affordable housing as examples of what she would pursue.

She also said she wanted Democrats to become the “big tent party” they have long said they want to be.

Asked whether higher taxes would drive wealthy Wisconsinites out of the state, Hong said her plans could improve life even for millionaires, saying they could continue to “live, work, and thrive” in Wisconsin.

What did the candidates say about police funding?

The debate also turned to the fatal police shooting of a Madison man last week, which NBC News reported had prompted protests and calls for accountability.

Hong had previously faced criticism for past comments supporting defunding and abolishing police, as well as for saying an ideal world would have no prisons, according to reports cited by NBC News. Asked Tuesday whether she would sign a bill or budget cutting police funding, Hong said no.

“The governor cannot defund police,” Hong said, adding that she was not running to “govern by slogan.”

Barnes said people should be disturbed by the images and video from the Madison shooting, but said he would not sign a budget reducing police funding. Crowley called transparency “extremely important” and also said police should not be defunded.

Crowley was separately asked about an NBC News report on a years-old social media account registered to him that included incendiary posts about women and race and derogatory LGBTQ references. Crowley responded by pointing to his work for Wisconsinites and support from Evers, labor unions and other leaders.

This story draws on original reporting from NBC News.