Democratic Socialist Francesca Hong Tests Left-Wing Viability in Wisconsin Race

Democratic socialist and state Assembly member Francesca Hong is campaigning for governor of Wisconsin, positioning her candidacy as a test of left-wing viability in a key swing state. Her platform advocates for the abolition of police and prisons, arguing that police exist to uphold white supremacy. Hong also proposes increasing taxes on the wealthy, creating a state-owned bank to fund free healthcare and childcare, implementing a $20 minimum wage, and establishing government-run grocery stores.

Hong faces a Democratic primary on August 11 against other contenders, including Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez and former Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes. Rodriguez has launched a $1 million ad campaign centered on healthcare costs, while Barnes emphasizes the need for bold solutions. Moderate Democrats and strategists have expressed concern that Hong's platform may alienate independent voters in a state with historically narrow margins, though Hong cites socialist victories in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Denver as precedents.

In the Republican primary, U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany is running with the endorsement of the state Republican Party and Donald Trump. Tiffany has criticized Hong and Barnes, framing the general election as a choice between common sense and what he describes as crazy policies. The race is critical for Democrats seeking full control of the Wisconsin state government for the first time since 2010.