[Reportage] Francesca Hong, the Korean American democratic socialist winning Wisconsinites over, left and right

On a Sunday afternoon, 38-year-old Korean American Francesca Hong was standing in the yard of a family home in Waukesha, Wisconsin, rallying support for her Democratic Party gubernatorial primary bid. Around 20 volunteers joined her in canvassing, going door-to-door to secure votes for the upcoming primary. Hong, a proud single mother, chef, and service sector worker, introduced herself by emphasizing her commitment to making things better.

With only two days left until the primary, she urged volunteers to keep working for their communities.

Hong's campaign is focusing on smaller canvassing locations in the final week, aiming to encourage volunteers and gain support across smaller communities. The Wisconsin gubernatorial primary is taking place on Tuesday, and Hong's unexpected strength in both Democratic and Republican strongholds is attributed to rising living costs and the data center debate.

Sean Bannier, a 39-year-old volunteer from Waukesha, explained that data centers are the issue cutting across party lines, with residents concerned about water resources and rising utility bills. Aaron Garza, a 29-year-old chemist from Kenosha, also mentioned that data centers are a bipartisan issue, as both Republicans and Democrats dislike the environmental impact of these facilities.

Hong has pledged a one-year moratorium on new data center construction, along with higher taxes on high-income earners (over $1 million annually) and lower taxes for the middle and working class. This proposal has been well-received, especially in conservative small towns like Oconomowoc, where property tax increases for middle and working-class homeowners have been a concern.

Becky Gilligan, a 46-year-old nurse and teacher, explained how expensive living conditions make it difficult for her three children to move out and become independent. Liam Ogren, a 28-year-old Kenosha resident, supports Hong's commitment to lowering the cost of living, including her public transport policy and pledge to raise the minimum wage to $20 an hour.

However, Hong's chances of winning the general election in November are uncertain. Despite her personal background as a three-term assembly member and the fact that she is not well-known on a statewide level, her campaign is gaining traction due to her strong stance on data center issues and her commitment to addressing rising living expenses.