A progressive newcomer is the frontrunner in Wisconsin's Democratic primary for governor, but big-name progressives are keeping their distance — a mixed signal for the party's left.

• Francesca Hong, a Democratic Socialist state lawmaker, is leading the Democratic primary on the strength of a cost-of-living message: universal child care, paid leave, affordable housing, and higher taxes on millionaires.
• Bernie Sanders and AOC have not endorsed her, privately citing worries about her past posts (calling to cancel Thanksgiving and defund the police) and whether she can win the general election.
• Republicans have spent millions boosting Hong because they think a Democratic Socialist is the easiest opponent to beat in a state decided by tiny margins.
• If she wins the primary, she faces Trump-backed Rep. Tom Tiffany, who will hammer her past comments hard.
• Her appeal is that voters see someone who might actually deliver, like New York's Zohran Mamdani, rather than a cautious establishment Democrat.

Outlook: Hong is favored to win Tuesday's primary, setting up a tight, high-stakes November race in a swing state where her label could be a liability.