Scott Walker urged Wisconsin Republicans not to cross over in the open primary, calling Francesca Hong a dangerous pick for governor.
Former Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker is urging Republicans not to meddle in the Wisconsin Democratic primary by backing state Rep. Francesca Hong, a move he says could hand Democrats a weaker nominee in November. In a post on X Sunday, Walker called Hong “VERY dangerous” as governor and warned GOP voters against trying to influence Tuesday’s contest by crossing party lines.
Walker’s warning comes as Hong, 37, holds a strong lead in the Democratic gubernatorial primary, according to polls. She is competing against Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and three other candidates. Under Wisconsin’s open primary rules, voters can choose which party’s ballot to cast, creating a setup that can invite strategic voting when one side believes the other party’s primary could produce an easier general election opponent.
Hong has drawn renewed attention in recent days over past comments and positions that critics have described as far-left. She is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America. In November 2021, she called for getting rid of Thanksgiving, arguing that the holiday carried “colonialist” undertones. When pressed on CNN last week, she first said the holiday is painful for many people in her community before later saying she had no interest in abolishing it.
“Scott Walker urged Wisconsin Republicans not to cross over in the open primary, calling Francesca Hong a dangerous pick for governor.”
Hong has also said she would not abolish the police, after previously calling for that. In a Fox News interview last month that spread widely online, she defended much of the Democratic Socialists of America platform and declined to distance herself from left-wing streamer Hasan Piker, who said in 2019 that “America deserved 9/11.” Those comments have helped fuel Republican attacks and made Hong a target of national attention beyond Wisconsin.
Walker also pointed to the broader political stakes in November. In a sign of concern on the Democratic side, outgoing Gov. Tony Evers has been trying to boost Crowley and has warned that a Hong nomination would help Republicans. Walker, the state’s most recent Republican governor, said he planned to stay with his party’s ticket and back Rep. Tom Tiffany for governor, Will Martin for lieutenant governor, and Eric Toney for attorney general.
On the Republican side, Tiffany is heavily favored to win the nomination and currently holds a narrow edge over Hong in the RealClearPolitics average. Walker said Tiffany could beat either Democratic contender if he sticks to a message centered on cutting red tape, limiting spending, and lowering property taxes. The open-primary fight now adds another layer to a race already shaped by Wisconsin’s rules, partisan strategy, and competing visions for the state’s future. For voters, the real issue is whether party games in the primary could help decide who controls the governor’s office next fall.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Scott Walker warning Republicans about the Democratic primary?
Walker said Republicans should not cross over to help Francesca Hong because he считает she would be dangerous as governor. He argued the GOP should not try to shape the Democratic race.
Who is leading the Democratic primary?
Polls show Francesca Hong in a commanding lead over Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and three other candidates.
What comments have put Hong under scrutiny?
Hong previously called for getting rid of Thanksgiving over what she described as colonialist undertones and once called for abolishing the police before later backing away from that position.
What has Walker said about the general election?
Walker said Tom Tiffany could defeat either Hong or Crowley if he focuses on cutting red tape, limiting spending, and lowering property taxes.
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