Francesca Hong, the progressive leading a ‘messy’ race for Wisconsin’s governor: ‘They’re tired of the status quo’
Hong, whose grassroots campaign has made her a frontrunner, aims for primary win after public skepticism from top Democrats and a last-minute shake-up As Francesca Hong surged ahead in the final weeks of the chaotic Democratic primary to be Wisconsin ’s next governor, the democratic socialist has become the internet’s main character. Donald Trump has mocked her old tweets, while major figures in…
Francesca Hong, a progressive candidate vying for the Democratic nomination in Wisconsin's governor's race, has emerged as a frontrunner despite facing skepticism from within her own party and public criticism from figures like Donald Trump. Hong, a chef and former restaurant owner, has built her campaign on a progressive platform that includes universal childcare and fully funding public schools.
She is also calling for a moratorium on datacenters, a policy that sets her apart from her competitors. Hong's grassroots campaign, marked by events from karaoke nights to ramen pop-ups, has garnered her significant support across the state, leading to headlines about her past tweets and concerns about her ability to win a general election.
With five of the last seven presidential elections in Wisconsin decided by less than one percentage point, the gubernatorial race is seen as a high-stakes contest that could determine the party's chances in a closely contested general election. The Democratic establishment, however, shows reluctance to change, with some candidates and consultants expressing doubts about Hong's ability to win the general election, despite evidence that progressive candidates can succeed in such races.
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