David Crowley (D) defeated Joel Brennan (D), Francesca Hong (D), and Kelda Roys (D) in the Democratic primary for governor of Wisconsin on August 11, 2026.

Incumbent Tony Evers (D) did not run for re-election. Evers endorsed Crowley. Wisconsin Public Radio's Shawn Johnson and Rich Kremer said Evers' endorsement "underscored a schism in the state Democratic Party between traditional Democrats and Madison Rep. Francesca Hong, the democratic socialist who has energized the party’s progressive base."

Politico's Tyler Katzenberger, Will Steakin, and Lisa Kashinsky said, "Democratic socialist state Rep. Francesca Hong is surging, alarming centrist Democrats who fear her unabashed leftism may torpedo what should be a winnable race against Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany in a key swing state ... [Hong] dismissed concerns about her electability in interviews with POLITICO earlier in the week. She pointed to the vast volunteer network, online enthusiasm and anti-establishment fervor fueling her campaign."

Crowley was elected Milwaukee County Executive in 2020 and served in the Wisconsin Assembly from 2017 to 2020. Crowley's campaign website said, "To win, the democratic nominee must do three things: boost turnout in Milwaukee, grow margins in the suburbs, and hold the line in rural communities. David is the only candidate who can do all three with the results to prove it."

Brennan was a former secretary of the Department of Administration under Evers. Brennan's campaign website said, "He's not running because it's his turn; he's running because he knows how to do the job, and because, for the first time in 16 years, Wisconsin has a real shot at a Democratic majority in the legislature and a chance to deliver real change for every Badger State family."

Hong was elected to the Wisconsin Assembly in 2020. She worked as a chef and community organizer. In a campaign ad, Hong said, "We can fully fund our public schools and have universal childcare. We can guarantee paid leave and have cheaper health care. We can fix a rigged system that puts oligarchs over workers and small businesses."

Roys had, as of the 2026 election, represented the 26th District in the Wisconsin Senate since 2021. She served in the Wisconsin Assembly between 2009 and 2013. Roys' campaign website said she was "a proven Democratic leader who gets things done for Wisconsin families. A state senator, small business owner, attorney, and mom and stepmom of 5, Kelda is relentlessly focused on building a Wisconsin where everyone has the freedom to thrive."

Three other candidates appeared on the ballot. Missy Hughes (D) suspended her campaign on June 22, 2026, Sara Rodriguez (D) suspended her campaign on July 17, 2026, and Mandela Barnes (D) suspended his campaign on July 30, 2026. Crowley suspended his campaign on July 8, 2026, and re-entered the race on July 18, 2026.

As of August 2026, major election forecasters rated the general election Toss-up. In 2022, Evers defeated Tim Michels (R) 51.1%–47.8%. In 2024, Donald Trump (R) defeated Kamala Harris (D) 49.6%–48.7% in the presidential election in Wisconsin. The last Republican to win election as governor of Wisconsin was Scott Walker (R) in 2014.