Hong -- Myth #1: I am unelectable

 Thurs, Jul 23, 2026

Mark M,

This one’s a long email, but it's important. 

We saw a lot of polls yesterday. Today I want to cut through the chatter and recognize what is one of the most pivotal moments in our campaign’s fight for recognition and legitimacy. Let me be clear: There is no data-driven evidence to back up the claim that I am unelectable. The Marquette Law School poll made that abundantly clear. 

We can’t afford to play it safe—not with families across the state struggling to pay their bills. 

Myth #1: I am unelectable. The Marquette Law School poll from yesterday has me in a statistical tie with Tom Tiffany. There’s no shocking evidence that has me down, no damning numbers that show I can’t win. All of that fuss, and my numbers are practically identical to others in the field. It’s just talk. Next time you hear it, ask them to back it up with evidence.

Myth #1: I am unelectable. The Marquette Law School poll from yesterday has me in a statistical tie with Tom Tiffany. There’s no shocking evidence that has me down, no damning numbers that show I can’t win. All of that fuss, and my numbers are practically identical to others in the field. It’s just talk. Next time you hear it, ask them to back it up with evidence. 

Myth #2: If I am nominated, we will lose the legislature. There is no evidence to support this conclusion. Wisconsin voters, famously, split their tickets a lot. This myth sounds scary, but we know from 2024 that it’s not true. In fact, our massive coalition will drive turnout for down ballot candidates. Showing up for candidates in purple districts—cities and towns—like I have, is how you increase turnout in November! Our movement is winning back voters who have given up on the Democratic party, the system, our democracy. 

Myth #3: Wisconsin is “different” and will not elect a Democratic Socialist. This blatantly ignores Wisconsin’s progressive heritage, our working-class values, and the real issues this election will be decided upon. I’ve been talking about data centers, the cost of living, the price of gas—long before the Marquette Law School poll showed us that those were the most important issues. The voters are clear, they want a Governor who will deliver on affordability. There have never been more perfect conditions for Wisconsinites to choose the working-class candidate. 

Myth #4: The only electable candidate is a white man. Current polling seems to indicate that this is the least accurate myth of them all. 

I’m asking you to believe your eyes and ears. So many of you have shown up for me across the state. Look what we’ve already achieved. We’re listening to Wisconsin voters, and it's working.