MADISON, Wis. – Supporters of Democratic candidate for Wisconsin governor Francesca Hong expressed confidence ahead of Tuesday that the far-left progressive and member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) can win the Democratic gubernatorial primary on a platform centered on economic relief.
"She's speaking to working-class issues. Everybody's struggling right now. The price of gas is insane. Trying to pay for your groceries is insane, trying to pay your rent is insane," campaign canvasser Josiah Wampfler told Fox News Digital at Hong’s campaign headquarters in Madison. "We're all struggling, and she's presenting solutions to bring down prices and to have improved government programs."
The affordability crisis has plagued many Americans amid rising costs of groceries, housing and healthcare. The House passed legislation — showing a rare display of bipartisanship earlier this year with a 390-9 vote — to deliver policies aimed at growing the supply of affordable housing in the U.S.
Hong enters primary night as a polling frontrunner in a Democratic showdown that was upended this summer after several high-profile contenders — including former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes and current Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez — exited the race, while Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley briefly suspended his campaign before re-entering.
A member of the DSA, the 37-year-old former chef and single mother has drawn backing from prominent national progressives, including Reps. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., and Ro Khanna, D-Calif.
Hong’s platform includes state-guaranteed paid leave, raising Wisconsin’s minimum wage from $7.25 to $20 per hour, and placing a one-year moratorium on new AI data center construction. Her tax proposal would raise state income taxes by 1% on couples earning over $431,000 and individuals earning over $323,000.
Supporters and volunteers poured into the Madison headquarters on Election Day, preparing for final voter outreach pushes.
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"When I first started this campaign, I figured it was a long shot, but seeing her grow, it really feels like a people-powered movement," volunteer Peter German said following a canvassing briefing. "I think it's been clear where the momentum is heading for a little bit now."
Another supporter, Dana, wearing a "Hotties for Hong" campaign shirt, argued that Hong represents the disruption the state needs.
"I think what I've seen inside of Madison and throughout the state is that people are looking for change — dare I say radical change — because we have been subjected to a lot of very moderate views for a long time, and people are suffering," she said.
Despite her grassroots momentum, high-profile national figures like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and the national DSA organization declined to endorse her in the Wisconsin gubernatorial contest. Hong has also been forced to backtrack from previous far-left stances like wanting to cancel Thanksgiving, and abolishing the police, prisons and the U.S. Senate itself.
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Speaking to reporters in the campaign's HQ, Hong responded to the lack of endorsements.
"I have so much respect for the senator and the congresswoman, and they are working tirelessly to make sure that we can that we can flip Congress and the Senate," she said to a crowd of reporters and her supporters standing behind her.
Hong's supporters, however, dismissed the lack of national backing as standard procedure for state-level executive races.
"They haven't really endorsed in gubernatorial races. They're focused on the federal level," Dana added. "And I think it's actually really, really impressive that Fran has been able to do this without many national endorsements."
Wampfler echoed that sentiment, pointing out that national progressive leaders have concentrated their primary endorsements on federal contests this cycle — such as Ocasio-Cortez and Sanders backing Dr. Abdul El-Sayed in his recent Michigan U.S. Senate primary victory.
"I know that they don't generally endorse gubernatorial campaigns," Wampfler said. "I think that it shows that Fran is building this out of Wisconsin."
