Francesca Hong, a former chef and current member of the Wisconsin State Assembly, is running for governor with the aim of becoming the nation's first socialist governor. While democratic socialists have seen electoral success in mayoral and congressional races, a gubernatorial victory in a swing state like Wisconsin would mark a significant historical achievement.
Hong, who first won her assembly seat in 2020 amidst the pandemic's impact on her restaurant industry, faces a primary election on August 11. The state's Democratic establishment has not yet coalesced around a single opponent. Meanwhile, a Republican-aligned Super PAC is reportedly spending $2 million on ads highlighting Hong's candidacy, seemingly anticipating a general election matchup. Her past statements on policing, including a 2021 tweet stating, “Defund then abolish. Reform can’t be an option,” are likely to be used by opponents.
Despite the