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State Rep. Francesca Hong on Running for Wisconsin Governor
State Representative Francesca Hong isn't your typical gubernatorial candidate - and she'll be the first to tell you that.
In this powerful conversation, Dr. Kristin Lyerly sits down with the first Asian American member of the Wisconsin Legislature, who's now running to become the state's next governor. Hong brings a perspective rarely seen in executive politics: she's a chef, a bartender, a single mother navigating affordable housing challenges, and a Democratic Socialist who's promising to be the "wild card" in Wisconsin's 2026 race.
From the dish pit to the State Capitol to the campaign trail, Hong shares her journey and her vision for a Wisconsin that centers working-class families. She discusses her progressive platform - including universal childcare, paid family leave, and affordable housing - and explains why she believes Wisconsin needs a movement, not just another establishment candidate.
Dr. Lyerly and Rep. Hong tackle the tough questions: How does Hong plan to win without corporate PAC money? What does democratic socialism mean to Wisconsin voters? How would she work with a potentially Republican-controlled legislature? And what does it mean to be a politician who still picks up bar shifts and knows what it's like to struggle with rent?
Whether you're a progressive looking for bold leadership or a skeptic wondering if Wisconsin is ready for such a departure from traditional politics, this conversation offers an unfiltered look at one of the most unconventional candidates in Wisconsin's political landscape.
This is the second in our series of conversations with candidates for Wisconsin governor across the political spectrum.
Listen to other episodes from this series of conversations with candidates for Wisconsin governor across the political spectrum.
Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez joins Dr. Lyerly to discuss her campaign to become Wisconsin's first female governor. Listen HERE
Wisconsin State Senator Kelda Roys is running to be the state's next governor, leveraging years of legislative experience and proven bipartisan wins to make her case to Wisconsin voters. Listen HERE
In this episode, Dr. Kristin Lyerly sits down with Missy Hughes, the former CEO of Wisconsin's Economic Development Corporation and longtime Organic Valley executive who's running on a platform of economic opportunity for all 72 counties. Listen HERE.
Mandela Barnes was Wisconsin's first Black Lieutenant Governor. In 2022, he ran a nationally watched Senate race against Ron Johnson and lost by just 27,000 votes. Now he's running for Governor, and Wisconsin voters have questions. Listen HERE
