Wisconsin State Rep. Francesca Hong, D-Madison, recently announced plans to run for governor of Wisconsin, with a platform that focuses on uplifting the working class through progressive policy decisions, according to The Cap Times. Her energy and goals separate her from her Democratic primary opponents, making her a unique candidate students should monitor in the lead up to next year’s election.
Hong believes Wisconsin can return to its progressive values, and her legislative action reflects the changes she believes is possible, she told The Cap Times. Her policy goals include improved childcare access and public school funding, small business assistance and increased access to healthcare, according to her website.
These stances set Hong apart from an already crowded democratic primary. Following Governor Tony Evers’ decision to not seek a third term, current lieutenant governor Sara Rodriguez, State Senator Kelda Roys, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, Zachary Roper and Ryan Strnad all declared candidacy, according to The Cap Times. The candidates represent a diverse range of policy positions and previous experiences, but Hong’s stance is distinct in its focus on empowering the working class.
As a chef and former restaurant owner, Hong leans into the working class perspective she gained in her career. Working people in the current political climate realize the system is rigged and they are ready to fight back, Hong told The Cap Times. She is also a strong supporter of education. Earlier this year, she received the 2025 Wisconsin Education Association Council Friend of Education award.
“She shares our mission of standing up for Wisconsin’s students,” WEAC President Peggy Wirtz-Olsen said in a press release. “And she backs up her beliefs with advocacy and action.”
Her progressive policy stances are likely to cause debate amongst Democrats across the state as they consider who they will support in the primary. But beyond policy, Hong possesses a unique energy that can empower the democratic voter base and draw independent voters. By positioning herself as a “wild card” in this race, Hong can appeal to voters who were disheartened by the 2024 presidential election.
Following the 2024 presidential election, countless pieces were published criticizing the Democratic Party’s approach, but the unifying concern was Democrats’ unwillingness to support large scale policies that create meaningful change. In a mass of broad promises and statistics, Democrats did not appeal to working class voters who wanted noticeable change, according to a piece by The Nation following the election.
In Wisconsin, real promises of change will be crucial in defining the governor’s race following two terms of Evers’ leadership.
Hong’s consistently bold and refreshing point of view on politics as well as her candid statements as a legislator will help her connect with a young generation of Democrats who are frustrated with the party’s response to extreme conservative measures.
While upper level Democratic leadership struggles to form a unified message amidst constant conservative action, state and local level politics provides a ground for progressive politicians to make moves that will positively impact their communities in tangible ways.
Hong has a background in community organizing which will be crucial in building support for not only her candidacy but also the broader vision of politics she represents.By positioning herself against billionaires, Hong is dedicated to the collective fight to improve the wellbeing of the working class communities she represents.
The issue of billionaires in politics will likely be central to the governor race. At a time where money in politics continues to reach unprecedented levels each election cycle, running for office has become a billionaire centered endeavor. In Wisconsin, billionaires pushed campaign spending over the $100 million mark in the 2025 Wisconsin Supreme Court race, according to PBS Wisconsin.
As of 2024, 85% of Americans believe the rising cost of political campaigns pushes regular citizens with positive motives out of the political space, according to Pew Research. The rising cost of political campaigning makes Hong’s rejection of billionaire money not only morally admirable but also central in redefining election spending in Wisconsin. Her grassroots campaign is run by Wisconsin citizens as she does not take corporate PAC money, nor does she self-fund a billion-dollar campaign.
With the primaries still over six months away, Wisconsin Democrats have an opportunity to define their vision for the state and the party. By supporting Hong, Democrats can send a message that they are ready to support bold, grassroots change in Wisconsin.
Students will be critical to shaping this vision.
Hong’s bold messaging will connect with young people who often feel pushed out of politics due to jargon and stiff personalities. She must harness the student voice and working class support, among other political groups, to build a coalition capable of providing the positive, community oriented change so many within and outside of the Democratic party are seeking following 2024.
Striving for a better future for Wisconsin requires organizational power, and Hong is prepared to take on the system through the support of working people.
