MADISON, Wisconsin — The Wisconsin gubernatorial primary on Tuesday could mark a significant milestone for progressives, potentially setting the stage for future political maneuvers in 2028 and beyond. At the heart of this pivotal race is Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist challenging Gov. Tony Evers’ preferred successor, David Crowley. A victory for Hong would not only send shockwaves through the state but also position the progressive movement to demonstrate its viability in fiercely competitive battlegrounds.

Despite the high stakes, many prominent national progressives, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders, have remained notably distant. Their reluctance stems partly from concerns over Hong’s past controversial statements and questions about her overall electability, highlighted by her previous calls to cancel Thanksgiving and defund the police — positions she now regrets.

Sanders, in particular, has been cautious, influenced by past endorsements that did not pan out, like his support for Graham Platner in Maine, which ended abruptly after Platner withdrew from the race. Ocasio-Cortez, focusing her efforts on regaining control of Congress, similarly sidestepped endorsing Hong, emphasizing the broader strategic goals for the Democratic Party.

On the ground in Wisconsin, however, enthusiasm for Hong’s candidacy suggests a disconnect between national hesitancy and local support. Progressive groups and figures like Rep. Ilhan Omar and influencer Hasan Piker have actively campaigned for Hong, tapping into a base of voters disillusioned with the current Democratic leadership and hungry for bold, policy-driven change.

Republicans, on their end, are gearing up to challenge Hong’s socialist platform, spotlighting her affiliations and past endorsements which could alienate moderate voters essential for a November victory. Yet, Hong’s campaign remains defiant, focusing on grassroots mobilization and tackling head-on the criticisms surrounding her deputy campaign manager, a sex worker advocate, by emphasizing her extensive work with trafficking survivors.

As Tuesday’s primary approaches, Wisconsin’s political landscape is braced for potential upheaval. Should Hong secure the nomination, it will compel both local and national Democrats to reassess the progressive movement’s influence and strategy heading into a contentious general election against Trump-endorsed Rep. Tom Tiffany.

With the general election margins historically thin — Trump won by just under 30,000 votes in 2024, and Biden by fewer than 21,000 in 2020 — the outcome of this primary could very well dictate the political future not just for Wisconsin, but for the entire country. As progressives rally around Hong, the upcoming election is shaping up to be not only a test of individual candidacy but a referendum on the direction of the Democratic Party at large.