MADISON, Wis. – Over the last month, democratic socialists have gained significant ground in cities like New York, Washington, D.C., and Denver. Now, Francesca Hong, a single mother with a background as a dishwasher and line cook, is making strides in her campaign for governor of Wisconsin. This swing state is known for its close election margins, where winning over moderate and independent voters is essential.
Hong’s candidacy has turned the Democratic primary on August 11 into a crucial test of how progressive voters are willing to lean in the upcoming November midterms. “If we can succeed in Wisconsin, we’re going to change politics across the country,” said the 37-year-old candidate, highlighting the urgency of her campaign. “People who feel frustrated and have a lot to lose are ready to rally around someone they can believe in.”
John Ravdabaugh, an undecided independent voter, expressed his interest after attending one of Hong’s speeches at a retirement home. Although he feels uncertain about the “democratic socialist” label, he is open to considering Hong as a candidate. “Every system reaches a point where change is necessary,” he noted, reflecting the sentiment of many voters seeking new solutions.
The primary winner will likely face Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, who is known for his conservative views and has received an endorsement from former President Donald Trump. Tiffany faces minimal opposition in his own primary.
The upcoming governor’s race is critical for Democrats who aim to regain full control of Wisconsin’s state government for the first time since 2010. The results will signal the political direction of this key battleground state, which plays a significant role in presidential elections.
Tiffany has directed much of his criticism towards Hong and former Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes, another Democratic contender. He has framed the November election as a choice between “common sense or crazy,” referencing social media posts from both candidates that advocate for significant reforms, including police defunding.
Hong stands firm on her platform, advocating for defunding the police, increasing taxes on the wealthy, establishing a state-owned bank to fund free healthcare and childcare, raising the minimum wage to $20, and halting data center construction. Despite concerns about her liberal stance, Hong believes there is a strong desire among voters for substantial change. “I worry that’s a miscalculation of where voters are at in our state. We may be underestimating what people want,” she explained in a recent interview.
The state has a historical connection to socialism, particularly in Milwaukee, which was a significant stronghold in the early 20th century. During socialism’s peak in the U.S. in the 1910s, Milwaukee elected the first socialist mayor and sent the first socialist to Congress. In recent years, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, a prominent democratic socialist, won nearly all counties in Wisconsin during the 2016 Democratic primary.
In 2023, two state lawmakers from Milwaukee revived the socialist caucus in the state Legislature, a group that had been dormant since 1935. Hong made history as the first Asian American to be elected to the state Assembly in 2020 and is one of four members of this revived caucus.
Barnes, who has significant political experience as a former state assembly member and lieutenant governor, emphasizes that voters are not focused on labels but rather on bold solutions to pressing issues. “People are looking for substantive change,” he stated.
However, some mainstream Democrats express concerns that nominating a candidate like Hong could alienate independent voters, which is critical for success in the general election. Neera Tanden from the Center for American Progress emphasized the importance of selecting viable candidates, especially in the current political climate.
With past elections decided by razor-thin margins, the stakes are high. In 2018, Democratic Governor Tony Evers won by just over 1 percentage point, and he followed up with a victory of just over 3 points in 2022. The significance of the upcoming election is heightened by the fact that the winner will oversee elections in 2028.
As the campaign unfolds, it remains to be seen who will emerge victorious in the primary and how their platform will resonate with Wisconsin voters. Time will tell if the progressive wave seen in other cities can gain traction in this pivotal state.
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Associated Press writer Nicholas Riccardi in Denver contributed to this report.
