State Rep. Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist, is seeking to win the governor's race in Wisconsin, a key battleground state, testing the political landscape for her movement.
"Regardless of generation, but especially for young people, they are demanding a different type of politics and a different type of politician," Hong told ABC News.
This endeavor comes as the Democratic Party is working to secure a victory in Wisconsin, a state that voted for former President Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election. The party aims to win competitive congressional races and achieve a trifecta of governorship, state Assembly, and state Senate control for the first time since 2010.
In a recent development, Gov. Tony Evers endorsed David Crowley, the Milwaukee County executive, who had just days earlier suspended his own campaign for governor and endorsed another candidate, Sara Rodriguez. Rodriguez had dropped out of the race due to a campaign finance controversy. Crowley's decision to reenter the race, he stated, is aimed at defeating "MAGA extremism" and Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany, who has the backing of former President Donald Trump.
Hong, a 37-year-old service industry worker and single mother, positions herself as a candidate who understands working-class concerns, with her platform often focusing on "Packers, potholes and public schools."
Nationally, the Democratic Party appears divided on the appeal of far-left candidates, a sentiment echoed by some in Wisconsin. Charles Franklin, director of the Marquette Law School Poll, cautioned that a victory in a large city like New York does not guarantee success in a swing state like Wisconsin.
Despite the internal party debates, Hong maintains that her policies are "wildly popular" and that voters are more interested in solutions than political labels. She would be the first woman and first person of color to win Wisconsin's governorship.
Her political stances have drawn criticism. Tiffany has attacked Hong for past social media posts that advocated for defunding and abolishing the police. In response, Hong stated she takes public safety seriously and is willing to work with community leaders to build safety, emphasizing the need to address the root causes of crime. Republicans have also sought to portray Hong as "too liberal," with a political action committee linked to the Republican Governors Association launching a significant television ad campaign against her.
The history of progressive politics in Wisconsin includes Milwaukee electing three Socialist Party mayors and the nation's first socialist congressman, known as the "Sewer Socialists," who focused on infrastructure, education, and government services.
Recent polling from Marquette University in March indicated Hong held a slight lead over other Democratic primary contenders, though reliable public polling has been scarce. Democratic strategist Joe Zepecki suggested that political conditions could favor the party, with Trump's approval ratings reportedly declining, though he acknowledged that the path to victory would not be easy for any Democratic candidate.
Amidst these dynamics, some Republicans believe Hong might be a more favorable opponent in the general election and have reportedly taken steps to boost her standing among Democratic primary voters.