Key facts
- Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist and state assembly member, is running for governor in Wisconsin.
- Her campaign is testing the viability of progressive policies in a crucial swing state.
- Hong advocates for policies such as defunding the police, increasing taxes on the wealthy, and a state-owned bank.
- She faces competition in the Democratic primary from Mandela Barnes and Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez.
- The winner will likely face Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, who has President Donald Trump's endorsement.
Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist and single mother, is campaigning for governor in Wisconsin, a critical swing state. Her candidacy in the August 11 Democratic primary is being closely watched as a test of how far left voters are willing to go in the upcoming November midterms, particularly in a state known for its narrow election margins where appealing to moderate and independent voters is essential.
Hong, who has worked as a dishwasher and line cook, has not shied away from her progressive platform, which includes calls to defund and abolish the police, increasing taxes on the wealthy, establishing a state-owned bank to fund free healthcare and childcare, and mandating a $20 minimum wage. She believes voters are ready for bold solutions and that her platform is not too liberal for Wisconsin.
Her campaign is drawing comparisons to recent victories by democratic socialists in New York City, Washington D.C., and Denver, though those were in different types of races and political landscapes. Historically, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, had a strong socialist presence in the early to mid-20th century, and Sen. Bernie Sanders performed well in the state's 2016 Democratic primary.
Hong faces significant competition within the Democratic primary. Mandela Barnes, a former lieutenant governor, is considered a frontrunner by some strategists due to his name recognition and experience. Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez is also running, emphasizing her electability, private sector background, and focus on lowering costs for working people, having launched a $1 million television ad campaign.
The Republican side is expected to feature U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, who has President Donald Trump's endorsement and is running against token opposition. Tiffany has targeted Hong and Barnes, characterizing their progressive stances as "crazy" and highlighting their support for police reform measures.