As Wisconsin’s Democratic governor primary comes down to the wire, it’s worth noting the state does not have automatic recounts, and it’s an expensive process for a losing candidate if things aren’t exceedingly close.
A trailing candidate can request a recount if the margin of the race is less than 1 percentage point. But unless the margin is 0.25 points or less, the candidate has to foot the bill.
And recounts can be costly. After losing Wisconsin in 2020, President Donald Trump’s campaign faced an estimated $7.9 million for a statewide recount. Trump ultimately requested a partial recount of two counties, paying $3 million. (The recount confirmed Joe Biden’s victory over Trump). In 2016, Green Party candidate Jill Stein paid nearly $3.5 million for a statewide presidential recount.
A gubernatorial primary recount may be less expensive given the far lower vote total.
But Democratic socialist Francesca Hong, who is currently trailing David Crowley by fewer than 3,000 votes, ended July with roughly $406,000 cash on hand, according to recent campaign finance reports, while Crowley had about $463,000, making the cost potentially prohibitive.
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