Francesca Hong izbjegava napade dok se demokrate iz Wisconsina sastaju za prijateljsku raspravu o guverneru.

Francesca Hong avoided direct attacks from fellow Democratic candidates during the sole gubernatorial debate held in Wisconsin on Tuesday night, as the race entered its final two weeks. The five Democratic contenders, Francesca Hong, Mandela Barnes, David Crowley, Kelda Roys, and Joel Brennan, mostly sidestepped personal jabs, even as the contest intensifies ahead of the August 11 primary. With early voting already underway and a large portion of Democratic voters yet to decide, none of the candidates openly criticized Hong, the current polling leader, despite internal fears within the party about her potential vulnerability in a general election against Republican nominee Tom Tiffany. The only notable tension arose between Hong’s top two rivals, Mandela Barnes and David Crowley. Barnes accused Crowley of receiving support from “special interests” after Crowley reentered the race with the backing of outgoing Governor Tony Evers following the withdrawal of Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez. Barnes suggested that Crowley’s campaign was influenced by outside forces, questioning his commitment to reform. Crowley, however, responded indirectly, emphasizing his roots in struggle and his refusal to align with the establishment. Other candidates, including state Senator Kelda Roys and former Secretary of Administration Joel Brennan, largely aligned with Hong on key policy proposals such as reducing property taxes, limiting school vouchers, and imposing higher taxes on individuals earning over $1 million annually. Hong, a state representative from Madison and a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, faced scrutiny over her past advocacy for defunding and abolishing the police, as well as her belief in a society free of prisons. During the debate, when asked about these views, Hong clarified that she does not endorse the entire platform of the national DSA and is not affiliated with the organization. She emphasized her support for public education funding, taxing the wealthy, and expanding access to universal childcare and affordable housing. She also expressed optimism that wealthier residents might benefit from her policies, stating that improved quality of life could attract them to remain in the state. During a segment addressing the recent fatal shooting of a Madison man by a police officer, Hong adjusted her position on police funding. Previously, she had referred to the incident as an “execution.” When asked whether she would support legislation to reduce police budgets, she firmly rejected the notion. “The governor cannot defund police,” she stated, adding that her goal is to be the governor most committed to public safety. This shift marked one of several points of consensus among the candidates, underscoring a broader alignment on safety and community investment. The debate highlighted ongoing challenges for Democrats as they navigate the legacy of past activism. In states like Michigan and New York, similar tensions have emerged around candidates' historical stances on policing. For instance, Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, a public health researcher, has faced questions about his earlier support for defunding the police, though he has since distanced himself from those views. Similarly, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has attempted to separate himself from past critiques of the police department, acknowledging that some of his 2020 social media posts were overly harsh. As the August 11 primary approaches, the focus remains on how candidates can balance progressive ideals with pragmatic governance. Hong’s ability to maintain unity among her opponents while avoiding direct confrontation suggests a strategic approach to consolidating support. However, the challenge persists: how to appeal to both the party’s progressive base and the broader electorate, particularly in a state where moderate voters often determine outcomes. The coming weeks will test whether the candidates can effectively bridge ideological divides without alienating either side.