Wisconsin Business Leaders Say State Dodged a Bullet After Francesca Hong Lost Democratic Primary

Kurt Bauer, president and CEO of Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, stated that the state dodged a bullet by avoiding a socialist candidate. Bauer noted that while Crowley shares some policies with Hong, he still represents a concern for the business community regarding taxes and healthcare. The race is a high-stakes test for Democrats to see if the party's progressive wing or its establishment favors the win. Crowley will face Republican nominee Tom Tiffany in the general election. Tiffany, who is endorsed by Trump, will face Crowley for the governor's mansion. Crowley's campaign highlighted his record of balancing budgets and creating jobs in Milwaukee County. In contrast, Tiffany argued that his experience running a small business and his record as a House Freedom Caucus member would make him a strong candidate for the user-state. Bauer also noted that 71% of businesses in the survey conducted by WMC reported property tax increases over the past year. Additionally, nearly half of the survey respondents reported that the tariffs of President Trump had a negative impact on their businesses.