State Representative Francesca Hong, initially seen as an underdog in the Democratic gubernatorial primary against better-known candidates like Mandela Barnes and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, has significantly outperformed expectations. Early campaign reports showed Hong leading in unique donors, and a February Marquette Law School poll placed her as the first choice among respondents with 11% support, ahead of Barnes and Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez. Hong’s strong backing comes largely from young voters, independents voting in the Democratic primary, and very liberal supporters, bolstered by her membership in the Democratic Socialists of America and a robust social media presence.

Despite Hong’s impressive early momentum, Barnes remains the front-runner with the highest name recognition and favorability among Democrats. The primary race appears divided into two lanes: a liberal lane with Barnes, Hong, and Kelda Roys, and a more centrist lane featuring Crowley, Joel Brennan, and Missy Hughes. Rodriguez, with her unique background, may act as a wild card. With a crowded field and many voters still undecided, the race remains highly competitive and unpredictable, with no candidate holding an overwhelming advantage at this stage.