,autocrop(1200:630) "Aursnes fora do jogo com St. Gallen: o motivo chocante revelado")
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How Francesca Hong Rewrote Wisconsin’s Democratic Primary
Francesca Hong’s Unconventional Run for Wisconsin Governor: A Simple Guide
What’s Happening in Wisconsin Politics?
Imagine a sunny Sunday in Madison, Wisconsin—the kind of day that makes people want to be outside enjoying the lake breeze. But instead of parks and patios, a few hundred people packed into a dark music hall. They weren’t there for a concert; they were there to support Francesca Hong, a 37-year-old chef, bartender, state lawmaker, and democratic socialist running for governor.
Important Point: A Campaign Like No Other
Hong’s campaign stands out because she brings joy, dancing, and community events into politics. At this rally, she even danced to the KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack—and the crowd joined in!
Who Is Francesca Hong?
Francesca Hong isn’t your typical politician. Here’s what makes her different:
- Chef & bartender — She still works service jobs even while serving in the state legislature
- Single mom & renter — She lives the experiences of many everyday Wisconsinites
- Democratic socialist — She believes the government should guarantee basics like housing, healthcare, and childcare for everyone
- Asian American — Would be the first Asian American governor in Wisconsin history
- Authentic vibe — Supporters say she feels "real," not polished or scripted
How Her Campaign Works: Joy as a Strategy
Hong’s campaign headquarters looks more like an art studio than a political office. There’s mismatched furniture, vinyl records, and a colorful fabric banner that reads: "The sun will find us: an excavation of love."
Unique Campaign Events
Instead of just speeches and fundraisers, Hong hosts:
- Dance party rallies (like the KPop one!)
- Slumber party-style livestreams
- Community cooking events (even on a dairy farm!)
- Art-making gatherings
- "Loteria" game nights — a Mexican game of chance adapted to explain her policies
Key Idea: Joy Is Political
Hong believes joy and fun belong in politics. She says: "We’re bringing joy and fun back into politics." Her supporters feel inspired and hopeful—not just angry or scared.
What Does She Stand For? (Policy Positions)
Many of Hong’s ideas are shared by other Democrats, but some go further:
Shared with Other Democrats:
- Free school meals for all kids
- Overturning Act 10 (a law that limited public worker unions)
- Criticizing corporate tax breaks
- Opposing President Trump’s policies
More Progressive/Unique to Hong:
- Universal childcare for all families
- Public bank — a state-owned bank to fund local projects (like infrastructure, small businesses)
- Moratorium on data center construction — the only Democrat supporting this pause
- Tax the rich / "billionaires vs. us" framing
- Police abolition — wants to move away from police/prisons toward community safety systems
The Big Debate: Can She Win in November?
This is the central tension of the race. Here’s the breakdown:
Why Supporters Say YES:
- Polls show her leading the Democratic primary field consistently
- Grassroots energy — small-dollar donations pouring in (raised $92,000 in hours after livestreams)
- National momentum — democratic socialists winning elsewhere (NYC mayor, NJ Congress, etc.)
- Authenticity connects — voters tired of "politician speak"
- Republican strategist Bill McCoshen calls her campaign "the best race so far"
Why Critics (Including Some Democrats) Say NO:
- Too left-wing for Wisconsin — a purple state decided by tiny margins
- "Electability" concerns — might lose to Republican Tom Tiffany (likely GOP nominee)
- Past comments on police — called for defunding and abolishing police in 2020
- Recent controversy — used bullhorn at police shooting scene, calling it "state-sanctioned violence… an execution"
- Livestream appearances — went on shows hosted by people with antisemitic/anti-American histories
Critical Context: The Republican Strategy
The Republican Governors Association (RGA) has spent $3.6+ MILLION on ads appearing to attack Hong—but actually boosting her in the primary.Why? They believe she’ll be easier to beat in November. This is called "meddling in the other party’s primary."
The Democratic Establishment Scramble
For months, mainstream Democrats whispered worries but did nothing. Then the primary field shifted:
| Timeline | What Happened |
|---|---|
| Start | 7 Democrats running, no clear frontrunner besides Hong |
| Early July | Party coalescing around Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez |
| Mid-July | Rodriguez drops out (financial mismanagement) |
| Days later | David Crowley (Milwaukee County Exec) re-enters race |
| Immediately | Gov. Tony Evers endorses Crowley |
| Now | Crowley calls RGA ads "unprecedented effort to engineer the outcome" |
Current State: Half of Democratic voters are STILL UNDECIDED.
The primary is in August 2026. General election is November 2026.
The "Electability" Trap: Identity & Double Standards
Hong raises a pointed issue: different standards for different candidates.
"Sometimes I feel like the expectations and the standards for me and a candidate like me… are higher. They’re different, and the goalposts are sometimes moving, especially around the question of electability."
Context: Wisconsin has only ever elected white men to its highest statewide office.
- Hong OR Kelda Roys → First woman governor
- Crowley OR Mandela Barnes → First Black governor
- But Hong faces unique scrutiny on "electability"
Hong’s Response: Nuance & Hope
When challenged, Hong doesn’t back down—but she explains:
| Issue | Hong’s Position |
|---|---|
| Police/prisons | "I am serious about public safety. If we are not tough on causes, we cannot be tough on crime." Believes in accountability now (incarceration) but wants to build alternatives |
| Livestream controversy | Campaign says: reaching disaffected voters ≠ endorsing every host’s past comments |
| RGA ads boosting her | Acknowledges the game but focuses on her movement |
| Why she runs | "People tell me that our campaign gives them hope." |
Summary: What You Need to Know
- Francesca Hong is a democratic socialist state rep running for WI governor with a joyful, unconventional campaign
- She’s leading Democratic primary polls with passionate grassroots support
- Republicans are secretly helping her win the primary (spending millions) because they think she’ll lose to Tom Tiffany in November
- Mainstream Democrats are panicking — tried to unite behind Rodriguez, then Crowley — fearing Hong can’t win a general election
- Key controversies: Police abolition stance, livestream appearances with controversial hosts, "electability" debates tinged with identity politics
- Half of Democratic voters are undecided — the August primary will decide everything
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Q: What does "democratic socialist" actually mean in simple terms?
A: It means Hong believes basic human needs (housing, healthcare, childcare, education) should be guaranteed by the government—not left to the free market. She wants to tax corporations and the wealthy heavily to fund these programs. Think: "The government should make sure nobody goes without basics."
Q: Why are Republicans spending money to HELP Hong in the PRIMARY?
A: It’s a strategy called "primary meddling." Republicans (via the RGA) run ads that sound like attacks ("Too liberal for Wisconsin!") but actually signal to liberal voters: "This is your champion!" They want her to win the Democratic nomination because they believe Tom Tiffany (Republican) beats her easily in November. It’s like helping your opponent pick their weakest player.
Q: What is Act 10, and why does Hong want to overturn it?
A: Act 10 (passed in 2011 under Gov. Scott Walker) stripped most public sector unions (teachers, nurses, etc.) of collective bargaining rights—basically, the power to negotiate pay/benefits. Hong and other Democrats say it hurt workers and public services. Overturning it would restore union power.
Q: What’s a "public bank" and why does Hong want one?
A: A public bank is a bank owned by the state government (not private shareholders). Instead of profits going to Wall Street, the bank’s earnings fund local projects: affordable housing, small business loans, infrastructure, student loans. North Dakota has had one since 1919. Hong says it keeps Wisconsin money working for Wisconsinites.
Q: Can Hong actually win the general election if she gets the nomination?
A: Nobody knows for sure. Wisconsin elections are decided by <1% margins (e.g., 2022 governor: Evers won by 3.4%; 2020 president: Biden won by 0.6%).
- Argument for YES: High turnout from excited progressives + independents wanting change + Trump-era GOP unpopularity
- Argument for NO: "Socialist" label scares moderates/rural voters; police/prison views attackable; RGA has $ millions ready for November attacks
- X-factor: Tom Tiffany’s own flaws/campaign mistakes could swing it
Final Thought: This race isn’t just about one candidate—it’s a test of what the Democratic Party is becoming and whether joyful, grassroots politics can win in a purple state. Wisconsinites will decide in August… and then again in November.
Want to follow the race? Visit wpr.org/elections for WPR’s ongoing candidate profiles and coverage.
