A democratic socialist in Wisconsin tests how far left voters want to go in a battleground state

Francesca Hong — a 37‑year‑old single mom and former dishwasher/line cook — is running for Wisconsin governor as a democratic socialist, backing policies like defunding/abolishing the police, free health care and child care, a $20 minimum wage, and a state‑owned bank.
Her candidacy turns the Aug. 11 Democratic primary into a test of how far left voters will go in a crucial swing state; recent democratic socialist upsets in cities give momentum, and the likely November opponent is GOP Rep. Tom Tiffany (Trump‑endorsed).
Moderates worry Hong could hurt Democrats’ fall chances — rivals include Mandela Barnes and Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez — because independent voters often decide Wisconsin’s razor‑thin statewide races.