Marquette and Two Opponent Polls Show Francesca Hong With a Double-Digit Lead in the Democratic Primary
MILWAUKEE, Wis. – State Rep. Francesca Hong holds a double-digit lead in three polls released Wednesday, including the Marquette Law School Poll and internal surveys commissioned by the Barnes and Crowley campaigns.
Marquette found Hong leading her nearest opponent by 11 percentage points, while more recent polls commissioned by the Mandela Barnes and David Crowley campaigns found her ahead by 13 and 20 percentage points, respectively. Neither internal survey was commissioned by the Hong campaign.
“Our working-class movement is leading this race,” said Hong. “Even our opponents’ own polling confirms that Wisconsinites are responding to our positive campaign and our vision of permanent affordability.”
The Marquette Law School Poll found Hong at 26%, followed by Barnes at 15%, Sara Rodriguez at 11%, Joel Brennan at 2%, and Kelda Roys at 1%. Forty-five percent remained undecided.
The survey was conducted July 8–16, after Crowley suspended his campaign and before Rodriguez withdrew. After assigning the stated second choices of Rodriguez supporters, Hong maintained a nine-point lead over Barnes, 27% to 18%.
Marquette also found that Hong’s supporters are the most committed in the field. Among voters who had selected a candidate, 72% of Hong supporters said they were certain of their choice.
Opponent-Funded Surveys
The two opponent-funded surveys, conducted after Crowley returned and Rodriguez withdrew, also show Hong’s lead continuing in the current field:
- An Impact Research poll commissioned by the Barnes campaign found Hong at 39%, 13 percentage points ahead of Barnes at 26%. Crowley received 11%, Roys received 7%, and Brennan received 6%, with 11% undecided.
- A Public Policy Polling survey commissioned by the Crowley campaign found Hong at 35%, 20 percentage points ahead of Barnes at 15% and 21 percentage points ahead of Crowley at 14%. Roys received 5% and Brennan received 3%, with 28% unsure.
The results follow a fourth survey released Tuesday by Wedgewood Polls, which also showed Hong in first place. That poll found Hong at 38%, eight percentage points ahead of Barnes at 30%, with Crowley at 9% and 23% undecided.
“The field has changed dramatically, but the frontrunner has not,” Hong said. “We have built the strongest and most committed coalition in this race by traveling the state, listening to working people and offering real solutions to the costs squeezing Wisconsin families.”
Marquette also found Hong tied with Republican Tom Tiffany at 44% each among likely November voters, with 11% undecided. Among Democratic voters who had chosen a primary candidate, 67% said nominating someone who can win in November was extremely important.
“This poll puts to rest the claim that our campaign cannot compete statewide,” Hong said. “We are building the multiracial, multigenerational and working-class coalition it will take to defeat Tom Tiffany and deliver universal childcare, fairer and cheaper health care, fully funded public schools and permanent affordability for Wisconsin families.”
Hong emphasized that the campaign will take nothing for granted, particularly with a large share of Democratic voters still undecided.
“We are proud of our momentum, but as they say: Polls do not decide elections – people do,” Hong said. “Over the next 20 days, we will keep traveling, organizing and working to earn every vote in every corner of Wisconsin.”
The Democratic primary will be held Tuesday, August 11.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
Mentioned in This Press Release
Recent Press Releases by Francesca Hong
Democratic Gubernatorial Frontrunner and State Representative Francesca Hong Earns Endorsements from Wisconsin Muslim Civic Alliance and Citizen Action of Wisconsin
Jul 15th, 2026 by Francesca HongStatewide grassroots organizations back Hong’s campaign to unite working people.
Democratic Gubernatorial Frontrunner Francesca Hong to Headline Rally in Madison June 14 with Congressman Ro Khanna, Congressional Candidate Kat Abughazaleh
Jun 12th, 2026 by Francesca Hong“We Make Better Possible” rally at Atwood Music Hall brings together national progressive leaders and a lineup of Wisconsin artists ahead of the August 11 primary.
