State Rep. Francesca Hong today joined the growing Dem gubernatorial field, saying she is running to fix a “rigged system.”
Hong, who was first elected to a Madison Assembly seat in 2020, touted her background as a service worker, community organizer and mom in her 90-second rollout video. She’s also a former executive chef and restaurant owner.
“For years, we’ve been told that doing better isn’t possible,” Hong says in the video. “Well, let me tell you, that’s bullshit. All we need to do is fight together.”
She called for fully funding public schools, universal childcare, guaranteed paid leave and cheaper health care.
>> WisPolitics is now on the State Affairs network. Get custom keyword notifications, bill tracking and all WisPolitics content. Get the app or access via desktop.
Hong, 36, is the fourth elected Dem to join the field seeking to succeed Dem Gov. Tony Evers and the youngest in the field so far. State Rep. Kelda Roys, 46, announced her campaign on Monday, while Milwaukee County Exec David Crowley, 39, launched his bid last week. Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, 50, joined the field the day after the 73-year-old Evers announced in July he wouldn’t seek a third term.
Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes, who is leaving the Evers administration on Friday, has been weighing a bid, as has AG Josh Kaul and former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes. The filing deadline is in June with the primary to follow Aug. 11.
Hong, the daughter of Korean immigrants, is the first Asian American elected to the state Legislature.
