Former State Governor Says Democrat Unfit For Role

Former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson is raising concerns about the possibility of democratic socialist Francesca Hong winning the Democratic nomination for governor, saying voters he has spoken with are surprised by her rise in the closely watched race.

Thompson, a Republican who served four terms as Wisconsin governor, discussed the Democratic primary Tuesday during an appearance on Newsmax’s “The Record With Greta Van Susteren.”

According to Thompson, conversations he had with people at the Wisconsin State Fair suggested there is considerable resistance among some voters to putting a democratic socialist in the governor’s office.

“I was at the state fair yesterday, and a lot of people say we cannot elect that socialist as governor of the state of Wisconsin,” Thompson said.

His comments come as Wisconsin voters weigh competing visions for the state’s future, with taxes, government spending, affordability and the direction of state government among issues likely to influence the broader political debate.

Thompson Says Hong Could Still Win Democratic Primary

Despite his criticism of Hong’s political platform, Thompson acknowledged that she has a realistic opportunity to capture the Democratic nomination.

The former governor said the outcome could depend heavily on turnout in Wisconsin’s major Democratic population centers.

Thompson predicted that Hong would have difficulty attracting substantial support in rural parts of the state. However, he argued that strong turnout in Dane County and Milwaukee County could potentially compensate for weaker numbers elsewhere.

Thompson argued that Hong is unlikely to gain much support in rural Wisconsin and said Dane County alone would not be enough to carry her to victory. However, he suggested that strong voter turnout in both Dane and Milwaukee counties could potentially give her enough support to tip the race in her favor.

That assessment reflects the political importance of Wisconsin’s geographic divide.

Dane County, home to Madison and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, has traditionally provided Democrats with a large pool of votes. Milwaukee County is another critical Democratic stronghold, while Republicans have historically performed better across many rural communities.

For any statewide candidate, building the right combination of support across those regions can be critical.

Hong’s Progressive Politics Become Campaign Issue

Hong’s democratic socialist identification has become a central part of the political discussion surrounding her candidacy.

Thompson believes some of her positions could prove difficult to sell to Wisconsin voters outside the Democratic Party’s most progressive constituencies.

He also referenced Hong’s previous social media commentary concerning Thanksgiving, saying, “Let’s not have Thanksgiving.”

The remark was Thompson’s reference to past posts that have attracted renewed attention as Hong seeks higher office.

Political candidates frequently face additional scrutiny of previous statements during statewide campaigns, particularly as opponents attempt to determine whether their positions align with the broader electorate.

For Republicans, Hong’s political philosophy could provide an opportunity to contrast conservative priorities such as lower taxes, restrained government spending and limited government with the policies promoted by democratic socialists.

However, Democratic primary voters — not Thompson or Republican critics — will determine whether Hong advances to the November general election.

Democratic Leaders Face a Major Decision

Thompson also pointed to the fact that some Democratic leaders have not endorsed Hong.

He suggested that the lack of universal support could reflect concerns about whether her political positions would appeal to moderate and independent voters in a statewide contest.

“I think it’s going to be very close,” Thompson said.

He added that Hong could still win the Democratic primary but predicted that a general election would present a much more difficult challenge.

“She still can win [the Democratic primary] tonight, but I do not believe that she’s got a chance to win the general election in November,” Thompson said.

That remains Thompson’s political prediction rather than a certainty, and Wisconsin voters will ultimately decide the outcome.

Thompson Questions Hong’s Statewide Appeal

Thompson went further in questioning whether Hong’s political philosophy falls outside what many Wisconsin voters are willing to support.

“Even some democratic socialists believe that Francesca Hong is just a little bit too far left for anybody to really take seriously,” he said.

Again, that statement represents Thompson’s assessment of Hong and her political support rather than an established conclusion about Wisconsin voters.

Still, his comments highlight a larger debate taking place within the Democratic Party over how far progressive candidates can move to the left while remaining competitive in closely divided states.

That question could become especially important in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Remains a Critical Political Battleground

Wisconsin has repeatedly played an important role in national politics, with Republicans, Democrats and independent voters competing over some of the country’s most consequential elections.

The state’s political diversity also means candidates must often appeal beyond their strongest partisan constituencies.

Urban areas such as Madison and Milwaukee can deliver substantial Democratic margins, while Republicans generally look toward rural communities and other parts of the state to build their own advantage.

That creates a political balancing act for candidates seeking statewide office.

A candidate capable of generating enthusiasm among ideological supporters during a primary may face a different challenge when attempting to attract independents, moderates and undecided voters during a general election.

Thompson believes that distinction could become a major problem for Hong if she secures the Democratic nomination.

Taxes, Spending and Affordability Could Shape November Race

Beyond political labels, Wisconsin voters are likely to hear extensive debate over issues affecting their families and finances.

Taxes, inflation, household expenses, jobs, government spending, education, public safety and economic growth are among the subjects that can influence voters in statewide elections.

For conservative voters, the race could also become a referendum on the size and role of government.

Republicans are likely to argue that democratic socialist policies would result in greater government involvement in the economy and potentially higher spending. Hong and her supporters, meanwhile, can be expected to make their own case for the policies they believe would improve life for Wisconsin residents.

That policy debate could become increasingly important once the primary is over and the general-election campaign begins.

Wisconsin Voters Will Have the Final Word

Thompson’s comments demonstrate why the Democratic primary is attracting attention beyond the party itself.

The former governor clearly believes Hong’s democratic socialist politics would create vulnerabilities in a November campaign. At the same time, he is not dismissing her ability to win the Democratic nomination.

Much could depend on turnout.

If Hong generates substantial support in Dane and Milwaukee counties, Thompson believes she could put herself in a strong position in the primary. Whether that coalition could then be expanded enough to win statewide in November is a separate question.

For Wisconsin voters, the election offers another choice between competing approaches to taxes, spending, economic policy and the proper role of state government.

The primary will provide the first answer.

The larger question — whether Wisconsin voters are prepared to elect a self-described democratic socialist as governor — would only be settled if Hong advances to the general election.