Wisconsin primary could propel a progressive bid, but national leaders stay on the sideline

In Wisconsin’s Democratic gubernatorial primary, front-runner Francesca Hong is banking on a progressive win but has drawn few national endorsements from leaders like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez who say they’re focused on Congress. Critics question her electability and past social-media posts; Hong’s supporters frame the race as a test for the progressive movement ahead of 2028, with unity tours planned after the primary and a general-election challenge against a Trump-backed Republican looming.