Sept. 17, 2025
By Tim Hundt
MADISON, Wis. – State Rep. Francesca Hong (D-Madison) announced her candidacy for governor today, joining a growing field of contenders vying to succeed Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, who will not seek a third term.
Hong, 36, is the first Asian American elected to the Wisconsin Legislature and brings a distinctly working-class narrative to the race. A single mother, former line cook, and restaurant owner, Hong said her campaign will focus on economic justice, universal childcare, paid family leave, and affordable healthcare.
“It’s stressful as hell to get by today,” Hong said in her announcement. “The system is rigged, and I’m running for governor to fix it.”
Hong was elected to the state Assembly in 2020 and ran unopposed in both 2022 and 2024.
Hong’s platform emphasizes climate, racial, and economic equity, and she has championed legislation such as the Economic Justice Bill of Rights and Healthy School Meals for All. Her campaign seeks to mobilize voters who feel disconnected from traditional politics, positioning her as a grassroots alternative to more established candidates.
Hong joins an already crowded Democratic field
Hong enters a competitive Democratic primary that includes:
- Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, a former nurse and public health executive, who launched her campaign shortly after Evers’ retirement announcement. Rodriguez has focused on healthcare access, reproductive rights, and continuing Evers’ education initiatives.
- State Sen. Kelda Roys (D-Madison), a progressive attorney and former congressional candidate, known for her work on reproductive rights and environmental policy.
- Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who has emphasized public safety, economic development, and bipartisan cooperation in his bid.
- Ryan Strnad, a lesser-known Democratic candidate focused on education reform and rural revitalization.
On the Republican side, declared candidates include:
- Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann, a self-described “conservative reformer” advocating for smaller government, local control, and tax cuts.
- Businessman and former Navy SEAL Bill Berrien, who has aligned himself closely with President Donald Trump and pledged to “shake up Madison” with outsider energy.
Hong’s distinctive appeal
Compared to her Democratic rivals, Hong leans into her lived experience as a service industry worker and single parent, contrasting with the more traditional political resumes of Rodriguez and Crowley. While Roys shares many of Hong’s progressive policy goals, Hong’s messaging is rooted in direct economic struggle and organizing outside the Capitol.
“We are building a movement across Wisconsin that knows better is possible if we rise together and fight for it,” Hong said.
The Wisconsin gubernatorial primary is scheduled for August 2026. With more than 10 months until the election, candidates are expected to crisscross the state to build support in what is shaping up to be one of the most ideologically diverse races in recent memory.
More information about Hong’s campaign is available at francescahong.com.
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