A democratic socialist in Wisconsin tests how far left voters want to go in a battleground state
Hong is betting that a left-wing message can broaden Democratic support in a state where recent statewide races were decided by narrow margins.
- On Tuesday, July 7, 2026, 37-year-old Democratic socialist Francesca Hong campaigned in Madison, Wisconsin, testing how far left voters will go in the state's August 11 primary.
- Democratic socialists have recently achieved victories in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Denver; last week, Melat Kiros defeated an incumbent in Colorado, signaling momentum for the movement.
- Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, endorsed by President Donald Trump, has labeled Democratic opponents 'crazy,' while moderate Democrats worry a socialist candidate might struggle with independent voters in November.
- Hong advocates for defunding police, raising taxes on the wealthy, and a $20 minimum wage, though retiree Dave Smith, 72, said the socialist label will be 'tough for voters of his generation.'
- The governor's race is integral to Democrats' hopes of controlling Wisconsin's state government for the first time since 2010, and the outcome will shape presidential campaign strategies within this key political battleground.
35 Articles
35 Articles
A DSA governor? Francesca Hong tests whether socialism can win in Wisconsin
After a string of victories in Democratic primaries across the country, socialists are setting their sights on one of their most ambitious targets yet: the Wisconsin governor’s mansion. State Rep. Francesca Hong, a Madison lawmaker backed by the Democratic Socialists of America, has emerged as a leading contender in Wisconsin’s Democratic gubernatorial primary, giving the movement its first serious opportunity to nominate a socialist for governo…
Wisconsin governor's race puts democratic socialist platform to a key swing-state test
Francesca Hong has not backed away from calls to defund and abolish the police, raise taxes on the wealthy, and create a state-owned bank — positions now facing voters in a state Trump has carried twice.
Associated Press News
A democratic socialist in Wisconsin tests how far left voters want to go in a battleground state
Democratic socialists have recently won elections in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Denver. Now, one is running for governor in Wisconsin, a crucial swing state.
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