Madison – After Democratic socialist state Rep. Francesca Hong fell short in the June Democratic primary, Wisconsin’s leading business coalition, Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC), declared that the state “dodged a bullet” by keeping a more moderate candidate, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, on the ballot.
Business leaders warn against socialist‑style tax hikes
WMC President and CEO Kurt Bauer told Fox News Digital that history shows “socialism has failed everywhere it’s been tried” and warned that a Hong‑led administration would likely raise taxes on businesses and families. “From that perspective, we’ve dodged a bullet in the state of Wisconsin,” Bauer said.
Crowley, who narrowly beat Hong after a runoff, was backed by retiring Democratic Governor Tony Evers, who warned that nominating Hong could jeopardize Democratic control of the governor’s mansion in November.
Survey shows tax concerns dominate Wisconsin businesses
WMC’s Winter 2026 survey of 200 business leaders found that 71% of respondents reported an increase in property taxes on their commercial holdings over the past year, while only 1% saw a decrease. The same survey indicated that nearly half of businesses said President Donald Trump’s tariffs had a negative impact on their operations, though 12% reported a positive effect.
Despite the tax worries, Bauer noted signs of optimism, citing increased hiring and a relatively strong outlook for the national economy. He added that high health‑care costs and difficulty finding qualified workers remain major frustrations for Wisconsin employers.
Crowley’s business‑friendly record highlighted
In response, Crowley’s campaign highlighted his record of attracting major corporations and creating jobs in Milwaukee County. The campaign pointed to the “Building Bridges” program, which offers $10,000 grants and technical assistance to small businesses, and cited a recent $8 million federal grant for a redevelopment project at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport that is expected to generate hundreds of construction jobs.
Local labor groups, including the Wisconsin AFL‑CIO, Plumbers Local 75, and the IBEW Wisconsin State Conference, have also endorsed Crowley, praising his bipartisan approach to keeping the Brewers in Milwaukee and supporting tourism that generated $4.4 billion in economic impact.
Republican challenger promises tax cuts and deregulation
Republican nominee Rep. Tom Tiffany, a House Freedom Caucus member backed by President Trump, will face Crowley in the November gubernatorial race. Tiffany pledged to lower taxes, cut what he called “unnecessary red tape,” and promote a business climate that lets employers invest and create jobs. He criticized Crowley for higher property and sales taxes on families and small businesses, arguing that such policies would make Wisconsin less competitive.
Both campaigns are positioning the November election as a choice between continued business‑friendly policies and a shift toward higher taxes and expanded government programs.
What this means for Wisconsin families
For Wisconsin’s traditional families, the outcome of the race could affect everything from property tax bills to health‑care costs. Business leaders argue that keeping taxes low and limiting regulation will preserve jobs and allow families to thrive, aligning with the state’s long‑standing emphasis on personal liberty, faith, and family values.
As the campaign heads into its final stretch, Wisconsin voters will decide whether the state continues on a path of moderate, pro‑business governance or embraces a more progressive agenda that could reshape tax policy and government involvement in the economy.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
