Wisconsin Democratic primary debate for governor

Updated: 12:58 PM CDT Jul 29, 2026Editorial Standards ⓘ

MILWAUKEE —

Above: Watch the whole debate

Two weeks before the Democratic primary for Wisconsin governor, WISN 12 hosted a debate between the five candidates.

Mandela Barnes, Joel Brennan, David Crowley, Francesca Hong and Kelda Roys faced off in the hour-long debate moderated by WISN 12's Matt Smith and Gerron Jordan.

It took place at Marquette University.

The questions and topics ranged from the Madison police shooting to data centers.

Question 1 to David Crowley

Some have accused you of being the latest prop for the Democratic establishment. So, are you, and why should the voters trust your judgement and your ability to win?

Question 2 to Francesca Hong

Do you fully back the DSA platform, and why should primary voters trust your judgement and your ability to win statewide?

Question 3 to Mandela Barnes

Why should primary voters trust you to win statewide this time?

Question 4 to Joel Brennan and Kelda Roys

You are both polling in the single digits, and have been since the start of this race, at this point, are primary voters wasting their vote on a vote for you?

Topic 1 Madison shooting and defunding police departments

Topic 2 Failed tax relief deal

Topic 3 $2.5 billion tax surplus

Topic 4 Income tax increase for 'The Rich'

Topic 5 Property tax relief

Topic 6 Vouchers for Milwaukee private schools

Topic 7 Wisconsin data center boom

Topic 8 Working with Republicans

Topic 9 Closing statements

Republican candidate for governor, Tom Tiffany, issued a statement after the debate

"Tonight's debate confirmed that the Democrat primary has become a race to the far left. It is increasingly clear that Socialist Francesca Hong, who has called to abolish the police, prisons, and the U.S. Senate and says returning the surplus to taxpayers is 'irresponsible,' will be the nominee. While Democrats offer chaos, I'm offering common sense: lower taxes, safer communities, stronger schools, and a government that lets the people of Wisconsin keep more of their hard-earned money."