Francesca Hong, a two-term state lawmaker from Madison, Wisconsin, is running for governor on a Democratic Socialist platform. Her campaign emphasizes working-class issues and progressive policies, aiming to connect with a broad swath of Wisconsinites.

Hong’s Background and Campaign

Hong, a single mom and self-proclaimed “outsider,” has represented a section of Madison in the state Legislature since 2020. She owned and operated a restaurant in downtown Madison, which closed in 2024 due to financial difficulties. Hong’s candidacy comes as Democratic Socialist and progressive candidates are winning races nationwide, challenging establishment Democrats.

Hong has sought to connect with voters on the ground while tapping into the growing national progressive movement. She has appeared on left-wing livestreams, including one with Hasan Piker, who has made controversial comments in the past. Hong’s campaign has condemned antisemitism, Islamophobia, and all forms of dehumanization, stating that these have no place in Wisconsin politics or the movement they are building.

Primary Election and Opponents

Hong is running in a six-way primary for the Democratic nomination, alongside Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, state Sen. Kelda Roys, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, and former head of Gov. Tony Evers’ Department of Administration Joel Brennan. The primary election will determine the Democratic candidate for the November general election.

Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.