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Question of the Week: A healthy victory or a squeaker in the primary for governor?

With five active Democratic gubernatorial candidates, will the primary victor barely win or barely break a sweat? It’s our newsletter Question of the Week for July 23.

Democratic primary election candidates for governor as of July 22, 2026
Democratic candidates for governor as of July 22, 2026 (clockwise from top) Rep. Francesca Hong, David Crowley, Sen. Kelda Roys, Joel Brennan, Mandela Barnes

There’s no way to sugarcoat it, we got our butts kicked with last week’s question about whether Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez should pull out of the race for governor! We clearly did not foresee her decision coming less than 24 hours after we published, but that’s the beauty of news as-it-happens. Rarely a dull moment.

So let’s see if we can come up with something that has a little more staying power — one that’s more of a numerical guessing game and immune to the news cycle!

As we saw in yesterday’s Marquette Poll, Rep. Francesca Hong led the field of five active Democratic candidates with around 26%, but nearly half of Democratic voters said they remain undecided. A lot can change by the time Election Day rolls around. Someone could build momentum. Other candidates could drop out.

In the end, will the primary victor barely win or barely break a sweat?

Click your choice in the box above and feel free to say more in the comment box—and leave your first name and hometown so we can share your answer in our next newsletter.

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Pat Kreitlow
Pat Kreitlow Founding Editor
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  • The Founding Editor of UpNorthNews, Pat was a familiar presence on radio and TV stations in western Wisconsin before serving in the state Legislature. After a brief stint living in the Caribbean, Pat and wife returned to Chippewa Falls to be closer to their growing group of grandchildren. He now serves as Chief Political Correspondent and occasional pontoon captain.