Francesca Hong Leads Democratic Socialist Push in Wisconsin Gubernatorial Race

State Rep. Francesca Hong, the first Asian‑American elected to the Wisconsin Legislature, is campaigning for governor as a self‑identified democratic socialist. She is running in a six‑candidate Democratic primary against Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, state Sen. Kelda Roys, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and former administration head Joel Brennan. Hong emphasizes her working‑class background, pledging to address potholes, rural investment, and public safety, while rejecting more radical DSA proposals such as abolishing the Senate, which she called “not practical” on CNN’s The Source.

The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) have recently tightened endorsement rules, requiring candidates to support sweeping constitutional changes, including abolishing the U.S. Senate, the presidency and the Supreme Court, and moving to a proportional‑representation House. DSA members have floated ideas such as replacing the president with a “head honcho” and endorsing public ownership of major industries. National progressive figures, including Ilhan Omar and streamer Hasan Piker, have appeared alongside Hong in campaign events, amplifying the movement’s profile.

Hong’s campaign reflects a broader surge of democratic socialist candidates winning primaries across the country, challenging establishment Democrats and prompting debate over the extent of institutional reforms advocated by the DSA.