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Wisconsin governor race: Democrat Francesca Hong launches campaign

By and
Published  September 17, 2025 6:29am CDT
Politics
FOX6 News Milwaukee

The Brief

    • Democratic state Rep. Francesca Hong, who joined the race Wednesday, says she will focus on a progressive agenda to benefit the working class.
    • In addition to serving in the state Assembly, Hong works as a bartender, dishwasher and line cook.
    • She joins a Democratic primary field that already includes Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and state Sen. Kelda Roys.

MADISON, Wis. - Milwaukee has elected a number of Socialist mayors. Is the State of Wisconsin ready for a Socialist governor?

Joining the race

What we know:

State Rep. Francesca Hong, who lives in the liberal capital city of Madison, jokes she is a member of the cursing caucus. 

"The system is rigged. I’m running for governor to fix it. For years, we’ve been told that doing better isn’t possible. Well, let me tell you, that’s (expletive)," Hong said.  "I curse because I care."

Francesca Hong

In fact, FOX6 News cannot show some of Hong's social media posts to you.

The millennial said she is a wild card in Wisconsin's race for governor. 

What they're saying:

"All we need to do is fight better. We can fully fund our public schools, and have universal child care. We can guarantee paid leave and have cheaper health care. We can fix a rigged system," Hong said. 

Hong represents Madison and is a member of the Legislature's Socialist caucus. She is also a chef and former restaurant owner. 

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The state representative is seen as the farthest left of the 5-person Democratic field, as nationally, Democrats fight over the future vision for the party. 

Who is in the running?

What we know:

Also running are Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, State Sen. Kelda Roys and beer vendor Ryan Strnad.

The Republican field is made up of just two right now – Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann and business owner Bill Berrien.

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"She comes from the socialist caucus. I mean it is a completely different philosophy. That is a vision of taxing your constituents to death, over spending. While our vision is prosperity for everyone, through work," said Berrien, who visited a Milwaukee County manufacturer on Wednesday. 

What's next:

The GOP field could soon grow as sources say Congressman Tom Tiffany is close to announcing a run. 

The party primaries are 11 months away – set for August 2026.

The Source: The Associated Press provided the information in this report. 

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