NBC chief data analyst Steve Kornacki was in absolute disbelief on Tuesday night as a handful of unbelievable election results poured in throughout the night.
Kornacki faced a tough night on Tuesday as some unforeseen twists in the razor-thin Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial primary unfolded, with former Thanksgiving hater and democratic socialist Francesca Hong (D) losing to David Crowley (D).
Kornacki seemed like he was on the verge of walking off-set and never returning—but it made for some good clips, which were shared on social media.
With 93% of the votes counted and Crowley narrowly leading by about 3,200 votes, it was clear Kornacki was not pleased to hear that.
Kornacki slouched over and put his hands on his knees for a few seconds before mustering the strength to pull himself up again. But his mouth was agape in sheer disbelief.
“Really? Really?” he muttered quietly. “That’s um… so we’re back to square one on this?”
Additionally, Kornacki laughed angrily and buried his head in his left palm when he learned that there would be delays due to Milwaukee County officials’ announcement that five flash drives had corrupted voting data.
“Are you serious?! They have to… God… what were… OK…umm,” Kornacki said as he looked down at his New Balance sneakers in disbelief.
Another clip of Kornacki saying that NBC News was waiting on Wisconsin officials to “get their act together” also went pretty viral.
He looked into the camera and told viewers that he was disappointed that he’d have to sign off without giving them the results many of them had been waiting hours to hear.
“I hate doin’ this to you, because I know you’re here for results,” Kornacki vented.
The results finally trickled in, and Hong conceded early Wednesday morning that she lost to Crowley by several thousand votes.
Not long after, Kornacki yelled out to the NBC News faithful who battled the election madness.
“Thank you *so* much to everyone who joined in for our livestream last night. I couldn’t believe how many of you were right there with me as Milwaukee kept us waiting (and waiting) into the wee hours,” he posted on X. “I hope you got at least a little sleep!”
WATCH:
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley secured a narrow upset victory in Wisconsin’s Democratic primary for governor on Tuesday, defeating socialist State Rep. Francesca Hong.
With nearly all votes counted, Crowley captured 39.8 percent (313,321 votes) to Hong’s 39.4 percent (310,109 votes), a margin of roughly 3,200 votes.
State Sen. Kelda Roys finished third with 7.5 percent, followed by former state administration secretary Joel Brennan at 4.7 percent and Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez (who had suspended her campaign) at 4.1 percent.
The Associated Press called the race for Crowley early Wednesday after Hong conceded, eliminating the prospect of a recount in the exceptionally close contest.
The outcome marked a stunning comeback for Crowley, 40, who had suspended his campaign in early July amid lagging support and endorsed Rodriguez.
After Rodriguez exited days later amid a campaign finance scandal, Crowley re-entered the race with the strong backing of outgoing Gov. Tony Evers, who recruited him as a moderate alternative.
Evers’ endorsement and late fundraising surge helped Crowley consolidate establishment support in the final weeks.
Hong, a Madison representative and the first Asian American elected to the Wisconsin Legislature, had led public polls by double digits—sometimes as much as 20 to 30 points—and energized progressive voters with a platform focused on workers’ rights, housing, and expanded social programs.
Her campaign sought to build on recent progressive successes elsewhere, but moderate and pragmatic Democratic voters prioritized electability in the swing state.
Crowley, who would become Wisconsin’s first Black governor if elected in November, emphasized affordability, jobs, education, and his personal story of overcoming homelessness as a child.
Crowley will face Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, a Trump-backed congressman who easily won his primary, in the November general election.
The open seat becomes available as Evers declines a third term.
The Democratic primary’s razor-thin result highlighted ongoing tensions between the party’s progressive and moderate wings in a critical battleground, with Crowley arguing he is better positioned to hold the governorship.
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