Democratic Socialist Francesca Hong Takes on Corporate Establishment in Wisconsin Governor Primary
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State Assembly member Francesca Hong, a proud democratic socialist, is challenging the party establishment and its corporate-backed candidate in Wisconsin’s Democratic primary for governor. The winner will face right-wing Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany in November.
Madison, Wis. – Francesca Hong, a 37-year-old state Assembly member and unapologetic democratic socialist, is mounting a bold challenge for the Democratic nomination for governor, confronting not only a crowded field but also the entrenched interests of the party establishment. Among her opponents is Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who has the backing of Governor Tony Evers and the party machine. The victor will go on to face Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, a staunch Trump ally, in a state that has twice supported Donald Trump’s reactionary agenda.
Hong, who broke barriers as the first Asian American elected to the Wisconsin Assembly, has centered her campaign on transformative policies like free childcare, universal health care, and a moratorium on new data-center construction to protect communities from corporate exploitation. Despite relentless attacks and mischaracterizations—such as criticism over her humorous social-media posts and past calls to defund the police—Hong has clarified her positions while refusing to back down from her progressive vision.
“I’ve never seen so many young, out of high school, college students revved up for change,” said Dan Jakubek, a supporter from Marshall, reflecting the grassroots energy fueling Hong’s campaign.
The party establishment, desperate to maintain control, has rallied behind Crowley. Evers’ endorsement is a clear attempt to squash the growing movement for real change. Crowley, echoing centrist talking points, insists the party must unite to stop a so-called “MAGA extremist” from taking office, but offers little in the way of bold solutions.
“Our ultimate goal is to make sure we don’t have a MAGA extremist occupying the governor’s office,” Crowley said at a rally, sidestepping the urgent needs of working-class Wisconsinites.
Hong, meanwhile, has called for unity only after the primary, emphasizing that Democrats must come together to defeat Tiffany and reject the politics of fear and division.
“We have to come together to beat Tom Tiffany,” Hong said on Monday, urging the party to embrace progressive values.
The Democratic field has been shaken by scandals and withdrawals, with Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez dropping out amid a campaign-finance scandal and former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes withdrawing over allegations of inappropriate behavior. Crowley, after previously withdrawing and endorsing Rodriguez, has opportunistically re-entered the race.
In other Wisconsin races, Michael Alfonso, connected to the Republican establishment as the son-in-law of former Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, is seeking the GOP nomination for the 7th Congressional District. Meanwhile, Democrat Rebecca Cooke is running in the 3rd District primary, aiming to challenge right-wing Rep. Derrick Van Orden once again.
Voters like Kelly McClurg of Sun Prairie are energized by Hong’s vision and believe in her electability, while some remain hesitant, clinging to outdated fears about running a truly progressive candidate in the general election.