Democratic candidate for Wisconsin governor Francesca Hong confirmed she has not received endorsements from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) or Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT).
The absence of support from these national progressive figures comes just days before the primary election, raising questions about the candidate's standing within the party's left wing.
Hong addressed the lack of high-profile backing during a recent appearance, saying that her team is prioritizing the ground game over celebrity endorsements. "I think that we are focused on making sure to reach every single voter that we can until those polls close and that's what we're focusing on right now," Hong said [1].
The primary election is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 13 [1]. With the vote imminent, the campaign is concentrating on voter outreach and issues of affordability to secure the nomination.
Rep. Ocasio-Cortez has explicitly declined to weigh in on the race. "I am not endorsing any candidate at this time," Ocasio-Cortez said [3].
National progressive leaders have remained on the sidelines of the Wisconsin race, citing other priorities [2]. While some supporters remain confident that Hong is the correct answer to affordability issues, the lack of institutional progressive backing creates a distinct path for her campaign as it enters the final stretch [4].
Hong has not sought specific endorsements from the two lawmakers, instead focusing on the local electorate in Wisconsin [2].
“"I am not endorsing any candidate at this time."”
The decision by Ocasio-Cortez and Sanders to remain neutral suggests a cautious approach by national progressives in a swing state. By focusing on direct voter contact rather than high-profile endorsements, Hong is betting that local concerns regarding affordability will outweigh the influence of national political figures in the primary.
