Aug 12, 2026 · 21 min
Wisconsin Democrats turn a primary upset into a high-stakes test
Democrats Score Surprise WIN as Republicans Start to Freak Out
Wisconsin’s close primary previews a general election where coalition-building, turnout, and election certification could shape democratic stability.
- 1David Crowley’s narrow primary win over Francesca Hong exposed both Democratic energy and the work required to unify Wisconsin’s coalition.
- 2Tom Tiffany’s election-denial record makes the Wisconsin governor’s race a test of democratic norms as well as partisan control.
- 3Mike Lindell’s refusal to concede raises concerns that Republican candidates may increasingly challenge legitimate election results and certification.
Don't miss
Ben Wikler connects Mike Lindell’s refusal to concede with the broader risk that candidates could disrupt election certification after 2026.
The brief
Ben Wikler joins Brian Tyler Cohen to unpack David Crowley’s narrow Wisconsin Democratic primary victory over Francesca Hong—and the unity both campaigns must now build.
The unusually strong Democratic turnout in Wisconsin and Michigan reflects voters’ determination to defeat MAGA candidates, setting up a general election against Republican nominee Tom Tiffany.
Crowley’s coalition spans Black voters in Milwaukee and progressive voters in college towns, but Wikler stresses that canvassing, organizing, and face-to-face campaigning—not slogans—win Wisconsin.
The conversation widens to Minnesota’s primary and Mike Lindell’s refusal to concede, raising the prospect that more Republican candidates will reject legitimate results after 2026.
The episode’s central warning is about election certification: disruption and manipulation could overwhelm ordinary policy debates unless democratic institutions and organizers withstand the pressure.
Featuring
Ben WiklerMentioned
Wisconsin
Francesca Hong
Mike Lindell
This Is the Plan, How to End America's Meltdown and Save DemocracyBooks & mentions
Listen to the full episode and explore every guest, topic, and moment on PodLume.