Francesca Hong, running for governor of Wisconsin, focuses campaign on affordability — and Israel

Francesca Hong, a Democratic candidate for governor of Wisconsin, is centering her campaign around affordability and her stance on U.S. policy toward Israel, drawing both support and controversy in the politically divided state. As the Democratic primary approaches, Hong’s position on Israel and her alignment with progressive values have become central themes in her bid for the gubernatorial nomination. Her campaign has emphasized economic issues such as housing, education, and childcare, while also highlighting her identity as a first-generation immigrant and a working-class mother. However, her sharp criticism of Israeli government actions and her association with democratic socialist policies have raised concerns among some Jewish voters and political analysts in Wisconsin. Hong, a former chef and single mother, entered the race after being elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 2019. Her campaign has focused heavily on grassroots organizing and personal storytelling, using videos that showcase her background as a service worker and community advocate. In one such video, she walked through a kitchen she once worked in, wearing an apron and speaking directly to viewers about her experiences. “I’m State Representative Francesca Hong. I’m a service worker, community organizer, and a mom. I work for a living, always have, still do,” she said. “Five years ago, my community sent me to the Capitol. The system is rigged. I’m running for governor to fix it.” Her campaign has positioned her as a challenger to more moderate Democratic figures, particularly former Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes. Another candidate, Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez, withdrew from the race recently due to financial difficulties, leaving Hong as one of the leading contenders. With the Democratic primary scheduled for August, Hong’s ability to secure the nomination will depend largely on her appeal to the state’s progressive base, which has shown increasing dissatisfaction with the party establishment. Hong’s stance on Israel has been a focal point of debate. She has criticized Israeli military operations in Gaza, calling them acts of genocide, and has expressed support for Palestinian rights. While she maintains that advocating for Palestinian rights does not equate to antisemitism, her positions have drawn scrutiny from Jewish community leaders in Wisconsin. Jeremy Tunis, co-chair of the community relations committee at the Jewish Federation of Madison, noted that Hong aligns with a growing trend of democratic socialist candidates gaining traction in states like New York and Pennsylvania. He acknowledged that her views reflect a broader movement but cautioned that they may not resonate widely in Wisconsin. Other Jewish residents in the state share similar concerns. Marc Herstand, a 74-year-old Madison resident, questioned whether Hong would be viable in the general election against the likely Republican nominee, Tom Tiffany. “She’s probably the least electable of the candidates running,” he said. “Wisconsin is a purple state, very purple, and democratic socialism is not going to go over well outside of the liberal communities of Madison, Milwaukee, and ... in some of the other cities.” His comments highlight the challenge Hong faces in balancing her progressive platform with the need to appeal to a broader electorate. Beyond her stance on Israel, Hong’s record includes advocacy for defunding the police and other progressive reforms, which some argue could further alienate suburban and rural voters. Tunis suggested that these positions, combined with her focus on Israel, could weaken her chances in a deeply divided state. “There’s probably an appetite for it in a lot of places, but ... I feel strongly that she would be among the weakest general election candidates for a variety of reasons, not just her stance on Israel,” he said. As the primary nears, Hong continues to campaign aggressively, focusing on affordability and economic justice. Her ability to navigate the complex landscape of Wisconsin politics, where moderate and progressive wings of the Democratic Party often clash, will determine whether she can secure the nomination and ultimately win in November. Her campaign remains firmly rooted in the belief that her experience as a working-class mother and her commitment to reforming the system can resonate with voters across the state.