Democratic socialist Francesca Hong challenges establishment in Wisconsin governor primary
State Assembly member Francesca Hong, a self-identified democratic socialist, is competing against the party-backed candidate in Wisconsin’s Democratic primary for governor, while the winner will face Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany in the November election.
Madison, Wis. – Francesca Hong, a 37-year-old state Assembly member and democratic socialist, is seeking the Democratic nomination for governor in a crowded primary that also includes Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who has the endorsement of Governor Tony Evers. The primary winner will advance to the November contest against Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany in a state that voted for Donald Trump in both 2016 and 2024.
Hong, the first Asian American elected to the Wisconsin Assembly, has highlighted policies such as free childcare, universal health care and a pause on new data-center construction. She said she would not support cutting police funding, despite earlier statements calling for defunding the police. Past social-media posts in which she joked about canceling Thanksgiving and criticized Valentine’s Day have drawn criticism, which she has described as attempts at humor.
“I’ve never seen so many young, out of high school, college students revved up for change,” said Dan Jakubek, a supporter from Marshall.
Evers endorsed Crowley, arguing that he has the best chance of defeating Tiffany. Crowley told supporters that the party must unite after the primary to keep a “MAGA extremist” out of the governor’s office.
“Our ultimate goal is to make sure we don’t have a MAGA extremist occupying the governor’s office,” Crowley said at a rally.
Hong said she would welcome Evers’ support if she wins the primary and emphasized the need for Democrats to work together to beat Tiffany.
“We have to come together to beat Tom Tiffany,” Hong said on Monday.
The Democratic field has been reshaped by recent withdrawals. Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez dropped out amid a campaign-finance scandal, and former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes withdrew less than two weeks before the primary over allegations of inappropriate behavior. Crowley re-entered the race after previously withdrawing and endorsing Rodriguez.
In other Wisconsin contests, Michael Alfonso, the son-in-law of former Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, is seeking the Republican nomination for the 7th Congressional District, while Democrat Rebecca Cooke aims to win the primary in the 3rd District to challenge Rep. Derrick Van Orden again.
Voters such as Kelly McClurg of Sun Prairie expressed confidence in Hong’s electability, while others remain cautious about the party’s ability to win the general election with a progressive candidate.