Radical Socialist Francesca Hong Threatens Democratic Unity in Wisconsin Governor Primary
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State Assembly member Francesca Hong, a self-proclaimed democratic socialist, is running against the party’s preferred candidate in Wisconsin’s Democratic primary for governor. The winner will face conservative Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany in November.
Madison, Wis. – Francesca Hong, a 37-year-old state Assembly member and outspoken democratic socialist, is seeking the Democratic nomination for governor in a crowded primary, raising concerns among moderates and traditional Democrats. She faces Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who has the crucial endorsement of Governor Tony Evers. Whoever wins will go up against Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, a proven conservative leader, in a state that wisely voted for Donald Trump in both 2016 and 2024.
Hong, the first Asian American elected to the Wisconsin Assembly, has pushed a radical agenda including free childcare, government-run health care, and a halt to new data-center construction—policies that many see as unrealistic and costly. Although she now claims not to support cutting police funding, her previous statements calling for defunding the police and her controversial social-media posts—mocking American traditions like Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day—have drawn well-deserved criticism.
“I’ve never seen so many young, out of high school, college students revved up for change,” said Dan Jakubek, a supporter from Marshall, highlighting the far-left energy behind Hong’s campaign.
Governor Evers has endorsed Crowley, recognizing that only a mainstream Democrat can hope to defeat Tiffany. Crowley has told supporters that the party must unite after the primary to prevent a so-called “MAGA extremist” from winning, using divisive rhetoric to rally the base.
“Our ultimate goal is to make sure we don’t have a MAGA extremist occupying the governor’s office,” Crowley said at a rally, showing the party’s obsession with attacking conservatives.
Hong, for her part, says she would welcome Evers’ support if she wins, but her far-left platform risks alienating the moderate voters needed to win in November.
“We have to come together to beat Tom Tiffany,” Hong said on Monday, though her policies may make that difficult.
The Democratic field has been rocked by scandal, with Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez dropping out due to a campaign-finance scandal and former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes withdrawing over allegations of inappropriate behavior. Crowley, after previously withdrawing and endorsing Rodriguez, has re-entered the race, highlighting the party’s instability.
Meanwhile, in other Wisconsin races, Michael Alfonso, the son-in-law of respected former Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, is seeking the Republican nomination for the 7th Congressional District. Democrat Rebecca Cooke is running in the 3rd District primary, hoping to challenge Rep. Derrick Van Orden again.
Voters like Kelly McClurg of Sun Prairie express confidence in Hong’s chances, but many remain skeptical that a candidate with such extreme views can win the general election.