Who Is Francesca Hong? A Profile of the Wisconsin State Representative

Quick Answer

Francesca Hong is a Democratic member of the Wisconsin State Assembly representing District 76 (Madison) since January 2021, and she is currently the frontrunner in the 2026 Democratic primary for Wisconsin governor. She is the first Asian-American member of the Wisconsin State Assembly and has built a legislative record focused on universal childcare, fully funded public schools, veteran support, and climate action, while also working as a chef and former bartender.

Key Facts

• First elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 2020, taking office January 4, 2021
• Represented District 76 (Madison) and won re-election unopposed in 2022 and 2024
• Not running for re-election to the Assembly in 2026, as she is running for governor
• Leading the Democratic gubernatorial primary by double digits in recent polling
• Author of the landmark AAPI education bill, which passed unanimously with bipartisan support including 12 Republican sponsors
• Sponsored the Climate Accountability Act requiring Wisconsin to reduce carbon emissions by 52% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050
• Proposed legislation to cut average property tax bills by 44% while increasing funding for public schools
• Served as a founding member of Wisconsin's first Legislative Asian Caucus, formed in May 2025
• Endorsed by the Madison chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) in 2024

From Bartender to Statehouse How Francesca Hong Entered Politics

Francesca Hong's path to the Wisconsin State Assembly is unusual by any measure. Before holding elected office, she worked as a bartender, chef, and community organizer.

Her campaign biography describes her as a "mom, service worker, chef, and community organizer." This background placed her far outside the traditional pipeline of lawyers, business executives, or career politicians who typically dominate state legislatures. Hong first ran for office in 2020, a year when many first-time candidates entered politics amid heightened civic engagement.

She won the general election for Wisconsin State Assembly District 76, which covers much of Madison's urban core. Her campaign raised $65,487 that cycle, a modest sum compared to many legislative races but enough to secure victory in a reliably Democratic district.

What distinguished Hong from other freshmen legislators was her early identification with democratic socialism. The Madison chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) endorsed her candidacy, and she has maintained that affiliation throughout her tenure.

In May 2024, the DSA Madison chapter publicly stated, "MADSA is proud to endorse DSA member and State Representative @FrancescaHongWI! Since 2021, Fran has championed socialist policies like an Economic Justice..."

This ideological positioning has made Hong a polarizing figure within Wisconsin Democratic politics.

The Wall Street Journal profiled her as "a Democratic socialist bartender" who "rattles party elite" in the governor's race. The article noted that Hong leads polling in a state that "delivered the narrowest 2024 presidential outcome," underscoring the high stakes of her candidacy.

The Culinary Career That Shaped Her Worldview

Hong's experience as a chef and service worker is not merely a biographical footnote—it directly informs her policy agenda. Her campaign website frames her candidacy with the phrase "#ShareTheTable," and her gubernatorial platform centers on "universal childcare," "fully funded public schools," and "fairer, cheaper healthcare." These priorities reflect the economic anxieties of service industry workers who often lack healthcare benefits, affordable childcare, and stable housing.

Her legislative website carries the Frederick Douglass quote: "Power concedes nothing without a demand." This framing suggests Hong views her role as an advocate for constituents who have been historically marginalized in Wisconsin's political process.

Legislative Record What Hong Has Accomplished in the Assembly

Hong's tenure in the Wisconsin State Assembly spans from January 2021 through the present. She has served on multiple committees and sponsored a range of legislation that reflects her progressive priorities.

Examining her actual bill sponsorship provides a concrete picture of what she has done in office.

The AAPI Education Bill Her Signature Achievement

The most widely cited accomplishment of Hong's legislative career is the AAPI education bill, which she authored and which passed unanimously with bipartisan support. According to her campaign website, the bill garnered 38 sponsors, including 12 Republicans.

This level of bipartisan cooperation is rare in contemporary Wisconsin politics, making the bill a significant achievement regardless of one's ideological perspective. The bill mandates the inclusion of Asian American and Pacific Islander history in Wisconsin's K-12 curriculum.

This was a priority for Hong given her status as the first Asian-American member of the Wisconsin State Assembly. The unanimous passage suggests she was able to frame the issue in a way that resonated across party lines.

Climate Accountability Act

Hong has been a vocal advocate for climate action. She is a "proud sponsor" of the Climate Accountability Act, which would require Wisconsin to create a viable plan to reduce carbon emissions by 52% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

The legislation represents an aggressive timeline compared to many state-level climate proposals. In March 2025, Hong sponsored Assembly Bill 142, which relates to "passing legislation to reduce carbon emissions." The same month, she co-sponsored Assembly Joint Resolution 19 honoring the 55th anniversary of Earth Day.

These actions align with her gubernatorial platform, which includes a "2% utility rate cap" and a one-year moratorium on data centers.

Veteran Mental Health and Outreach

Hong has also focused on supporting veterans. She supports legislation to bolster the Veterans Outreach and Recovery Program, which helps veterans with substance use or mental health issues.

Her campaign platform includes expanding state services for veterans and investing in retraining programs. This policy area may seem surprising for a Madison-based progressive legislator, but it reflects an effort to build a broad coalition for a gubernatorial run.

Veterans issues typically transcend partisan lines, and Hong's work in this area could help her appeal to voters beyond her urban base.

Housing and Tax Policy

Hong has introduced legislation targeting algorithmic software used in residential housing, with a penalty provision. This addresses concerns about rent-setting algorithms that critics argue inflate housing costs.

The bill was introduced in both the Assembly and Senate in March 2025. On tax policy, Hong proposed legislation that would "cut the average property tax bill by 44% while putting more money into public schools." The plan includes reimbursing public schools for 90% of their actual costs.

This proposal attempts to address two perennial Wisconsin political issues: property tax burden and school funding. She also sponsored a bill to expand the homestead income tax credit, which provides relief to low-income homeowners and renters.

Additionally, she cosponsored legislation to extend in-state tuition rates to DACA recipients, arguing that "immigrants deserve the same access to our public university system as everyone else."

Health Care Costs

In February 2025, Hong introduced Assembly Bill 62, an omnibus health care costs bill that includes granting rule-making authority, making an appropriation, and providing a penalty. This legislation aims to address rising healthcare costs, a central theme of her gubernatorial campaign.

The Governor's Race How Hong Became the Frontrunner

Hong's decision to run for governor came after Governor Tony Evers announced in July 2025 that he would not seek a third term. This opened the Democratic field, and Hong quickly positioned herself as the leading progressive candidate.

Primary Dynamics and Polling

According to polling from Marquette Law School, Hong leads the Democratic gubernatorial primary by double digits. The Hill reported that "Hong has expanded her lead in the race to take on the Republicans' presumptive nominee, Rep.

Tom Tiffany, in November." This polling suggests she has consolidated support among Democratic primary voters despite facing a crowded field. The Democratic primary ballot includes several prominent candidates: David Crowley, Sara Rodriguez, Joel Brennan, Kelda Roys, Missy Hughes, and Mandela Barnes, among others.

Hong's lead in this field is notable given that several of these candidates have longer political resumes or higher name recognition.

The Democratic Socialist Factor

Hong's democratic socialist affiliation is both an asset and a liability in the general election. Wisconsin delivered the narrowest presidential outcome in 2024, meaning the state remains deeply competitive.

A socialist candidate at the top of the ticket could energize progressive voters but might also alienate moderate swing voters. The Wall Street Journal's profile highlighted this tension, noting that Hong's candidacy "rattles party elite." Democratic Party insiders may worry that her far-left positioning could hurt down-ballot candidates in more moderate districts.

However, Hong's strong primary polling suggests she has successfully tapped into grassroots energy that establishment candidates have struggled to match.

Her Policy Platform for Governor

Hong's gubernatorial platform is organized around three core planks: universal childcare, fully funded public schools, and fairer, cheaper healthcare. She also emphasizes veteran support, climate action, and tax reform.

Her "Tax the Rich" plan proposes raising taxes on high-income earners and corporations to fund public investments. The plan includes the property tax cut mentioned earlier, which would simultaneously reduce homeowner burden and increase school funding—a classic progressive tax shift.

On climate, Hong pledges to introduce legislation for a 2% utility rate cap and a one-year moratorium on data centers. The data center moratorium addresses concerns about energy consumption and water usage by large tech facilities.

What Hong's Candidacy Means for Wisconsin Politics

Hong's rise from bartender to gubernatorial frontrunner reflects broader trends in American politics. The Democratic Party's left wing has gained influence in recent years, and candidates with backgrounds outside traditional politics have found success in primaries.

The AAPI Representation Factor

As the first Asian-American member of the Wisconsin State Assembly, Hong's candidacy has particular significance for AAPI representation. The formation of Wisconsin's first Legislative Asian Caucus in May 2025, with Hong as a founding member, signals that AAPI legislators are organizing to amplify their voices.

Her campaign has the potential to increase AAPI voter turnout in Wisconsin, a demographic that has grown in recent years. If elected, Hong would be the first Asian-American governor of Wisconsin.

The Service Worker Narrative

Hong's background as a bartender and chef sets her apart from most elected officials. This narrative resonates with voters who feel disconnected from political elites.

Her campaign slogan, "We Make Better Possible," and her consistent use of restaurant-themed language ("#ShareTheTable") reinforce this working-class identity. However, critics may question whether her experience in the service industry adequately prepares her for executive office.

Running a state government requires managing a large budget, overseeing multiple agencies, and navigating complex legislative negotiations—skills that are typically developed through years of public service or executive leadership.

Electoral Prospects in a Swing State

Wisconsin's status as a presidential swing state means the 2026 gubernatorial election will receive national attention. If Hong wins the Democratic primary, she will face Republican Tom Tiffany, a congressman from northern Wisconsin.

The general election will test whether a democratic socialist can win in a state that voted narrowly for both parties in recent presidential elections. Hong's path to victory likely depends on high turnout in Dane County (Madison) and Milwaukee, combined with strong performance among suburban voters who may be open to her economic message.

Her ability to appeal to rural and working-class voters outside urban centers will be critical.

Frequently Asked Questions

What district does Francesca Hong represent in the Wisconsin State Assembly?

Francesca Hong represents District 76, which covers much of Madison, Wisconsin. She first took office on January 4, 2021, and is not seeking re-election in 2026 because she is running for governor.

Is Francesca Hong a democratic socialist?

Yes, Francesca Hong has been endorsed by the Madison chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America and has publicly identified with socialist policies. The Wall Street Journal has described her as a "Democratic socialist bartender" in its coverage of her gubernatorial campaign.

What is Francesca Hong's signature legislative achievement?

Her most notable achievement is authoring the AAPI education bill, which passed unanimously with bipartisan support. The bill mandates inclusion of Asian American and Pacific Islander history in Wisconsin's school curriculum.

It had 38 sponsors, including 12 Republicans.

How is Francesca Hong polling in the 2026 governor's race?

According to Marquette Law School polling, Hong leads the Democratic gubernatorial primary by double digits. The Hill reported that she has expanded her lead in the race to take on Republican presumptive nominee Tom Tiffany.

The Democratic primary is scheduled for August 11, 2026.

What are Francesca Hong's main policy priorities?

Her campaign focuses on universal childcare, fully funded public schools, fairer and cheaper healthcare, climate action (including the Climate Accountability Act), veteran mental health support, and tax reform that cuts property taxes while increasing school funding.

Reference Notes

Information in this article is based on publicly available sources including Ballotpedia, Wikipedia, the Wisconsin State Legislature website, Hong's official campaign website, the Wisconsin Elections Commission, and news reporting from The Wall Street Journal and The Hill. Some details may change over time.

Verify with official sources before acting.