Tiffany wins Wisconsin primary; Democrat opponent remains uncertain

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(The Center Square) - Republican Tom Tiffany was declared the winner of his primary for Wisconsin governor in the minutes after polls closed but who he will face in the Nov. 3 general election is far more uncertain.

State Rep. Francesca Hong and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley are the frontrunners with state Sen. Kelda Roys and former Dept. of Administration Secretary Joel Brennan also in the race.

Crowley held a slim lead with 39.9% of the vote compared to 39.5% for Hong with 91% of votes reported as of 12:15 a.m. on Wednesday with Milwaukee County Central Count votes still not added to the tally.

"The fight continues no matter what," Hong said to supporters before the race was determined.

Michael Alfonso was projected as the winner of the Republican 7th Congressional nomination to take over Tiffany's seat, defeating veteran Kevin Hermening and Ashley Furniture Executive Jessi Ebben.

Alfonso, the 26-year-old son-in-law of U.S. Dept. of Transporation Secretary Sean Duffy, will face one of Ginger Murray, Fred Clark and Chris Armstrong from the Democratic side in November's general election.

Rebecca Cooke won her Democrat primary in the 3rd Congressional District and will have a rematch with incumbent Derrick Van Orden.

“Rebecca Cooke is exactly who the national Democrats wanted, an anointed candidate they know will carry water for the socialists who have taken over their party," Van Orden said in a statement. "This election is about what kind of country we are going to leave to our children and grandchildren. It is a battle for the soul of America."

Tiffany held nearly 96% of the early votes while opponent Andy Manske had less than 4%.

"I want to thank Wisconsinites across our state for putting their trust in me,” Tiffany said in a statement. “This fight is bigger than any one party. It’s bigger than any one candidate. This fight is about Wisconsin and protecting the state we know and love. It’s about lowering property taxes, returning the surplus to you, getting utility costs under control, and letting hardworking Wisconsinites keep more of what they earn. Let’s move Wisconsin forward, together."

Ebben congratulated Alfonso on his victory.

“While tonight’s outcome was not the one we wanted, I will remain committed to defending the conservative values I campaigned on," Ebben said in a statement. "That means working to stop the rise of socialism and defeating the Democrats running for office in Wisconsin. It’s time for conservatives to unite behind Michael Alfonso for our next representative in Congress and support Republican nominees up and down the ballot.”