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Francesca Hong

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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Francesca Hong
Hong in June 2026
Member of the Wisconsin State Assembly
from the 76th district
Incumbent
Assumed office
January 4, 2021
Preceded byChris Taylor
Personal details
Born (1988-11-04) November 4, 1988 (age 37)
Madison, Wisconsin, U.S.
PartyDemocratic
Spouse
Matt Morris
​
(divorced)​
Children1
EducationUniversity of Wisconsin, Madison (attended)
Website

Francesca Hong (born November 4, 1988) is an American politician, former chef, and business owner who has represented Wisconsin's 76th Assembly district in the Wisconsin State Assembly since 2021. She is a member of the Democratic Party and the Democratic Socialists of America. Hong's district includes the downtown and east side of the state capital, Madison, as well as Maple Bluff.

Hong is the first Asian-American member of the Wisconsin Legislature.[1] She formed the first Asian Caucus in the State Assembly in 2025 and is also a member of the Assembly Socialist Caucus. Hong is a candidate in the Democratic primary for governor of Wisconsin in the 2026 election and has been endorsed by Wisconsin-based chapters of the Democratic Socialists of America.

Early life and culinary career

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Francesca Hong was born on November 4, 1988, in Madison, Wisconsin, to Korean-American immigrant parents.[2][3] As a child, she attended public schools in Madison, graduating from Madison West High School in 2007.[2] Hong played soccer growing up and played for West High.[4] Hong then attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she studied Spanish and journalism, hoping to become a sports journalist.[5]

Hong dropped out in 2009 to work a full-time job, starting as a dishwasher and later becoming a line cook and sous chef.[3] In 2011, she became executive chef of the American bistro 43 North in Madison, which closed in 2016.[6][3][7] In 2016, Hong and her then-husband, Matt Morris, opened Morris Ramen in Madison.[5] The restaurant closed in 2024.[8] Also in 2016, Hong helped found the Culinary Ladies Collective, alongside fellow business owners Tami Lax and Laila Borokhim.[9]

Wisconsin State Assembly (2021–present)

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Elections

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In March 2020, incumbent state representative Chris Taylor announced she would not run for reelection to the Wisconsin State Assembly that year, creating an open seat in the heavily Democratic 76th Assembly district.[10] Hong, who at the time did not reside in the district, announced that she would run to succeed Taylor in the 2020 election.[11] Hong ran a progressive campaign, opposing the Madison police union and supporting allowing culinary workers to organize into unions, while also emphasizing her business experience as a chef and restaurant owner.[12][13] She won the seven-person primary with 28% of the vote, a six-point margin over the second-place finisher, Madison police officer Tyrone Cratic Williams.[12]

Hong defeated Republican Patrick Hull in the general election by a 77-point margin and was sworn in on January 4, 2021. She became the first Asian American state legislator in Wisconsin history.[14] In 2022, Hong was reelected unopposed. In May 2024, Hong was endorsed by the Madison Area chapter of Democratic Socialists of America.[15][16][17] In the 2024 elections, Hong was again reelected unopposed.

Tenure

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During her first term in the legislature, Hong sponsored efforts to raise the tipped minimum wage[18] and introduced a bill to establish an Economic Bill of Rights in Wisconsin.[19] A supporter of environmental rights, she was among 10 people to sign up for a "dunk tank" fundraiser in Madison on August 1, 2021, to raise awareness about the importance of clean water.[20] After her 2022 reelection, Hong was appointed to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) board of directors, to the seat controlled by the Assembly minority leader, Greta Neubauer.[21]

In February 2024, Hong backed reforms to implement paid family leave in the state.[22] As the state's first Asian American legislator, she was among those who introduced legislation to require that Wisconsin public schools teach Asian American and Hmong American history.[23] She said increased anti-Asian hate during the COVID-19 pandemic and the emergence of Asian voting blocs motivated her colleagues in the Assembly to support the change to the law.[23] Governor Tony Evers signed the bill into law in April 2024.[24] During the 2024 Democratic Party presidential primaries, Hong backed the Uncommitted National Movement to protest President Joe Biden's policies in the Gaza war, and drafted a letter calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.[25] Hong also joined the State Assembly's Socialist Caucus in 2024.[26]

In March 2025, Hong supported the Climate Accountability Act, which aimed to cut greenhouse gas emissions by half by 2030 and reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.[27] She also co-sponsored a bill establishing an Economic Bill of Rights in the state, which she had previously introduced in the 2021–2022 and 2023–2024 legislative sessions.[28] In May 2025, Hong formed the first Asian Caucus in the State Assembly with freshman representatives Angelito Tenorio and Renuka Mayadev.[29] In July, Hong voted against the 2025–2027 state budget, which had been created through negotiations between governor Evers and legislative leadership from both parties, arguing it "let Republicans off the hook while leaving communities without the investment or care they deserve."[30]

In February 2026, Hong co-drafted a bill that would put a statewide moratorium on data centers.[31] Later that month, she also introduced legislation to repeal a Wisconsin statute that banned boycotts of Israel by companies and individuals doing business with state government.[32]

2026 Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign

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After incumbent governor Tony Evers announced he would not run for a third term in the 2026 Wisconsin gubernatorial election, Hong expressed interest in seeking the Democratic nomination to succeed him.[33][34] She formally launched her campaign for governor on September 17, 2025, making comparisons to Rosie the Riveter, calling to fund public education and universal childcare, and vowing not to take corporate PAC campaign donations.[35] The Democratic primary field includes Madison state senator Kelda Roys, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, and former Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Administration Joel Brennan.[36]

Hong is the only democratic socialist in the race. She has used a similar media strategy to that of Zohran Mamdani, the democratic socialist elected mayor of New York City in 2025, with the same kind of "anti-establishment, affordability-focused" messaging.[37]

In September, during a campaign stop in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Hong proposed the creation of a public bank in the state, modeled on the Bank of North Dakota.[38] The proposed bank would provide affordable loans to small farms, butcheries, and bakeries and, according to Hong, promote competition and make goods more affordable.[39]

In January 2026, Hong's campaign issued a press release calling for a moratorium on the construction of new AI data centers in the state.[40]

In July, Hong began moderating some of her messaging.[41] At a debate with other Democratic candidates, Hong said she would not sign a bill that reduced police funding despite previous support for reducing their funding.[41] Less than a week earlier, Hong used the word "execution" to describe the fatal shooting of a man in Madison.[41] At the debate, Hong said she would not use that kind of language as governor because of the "deep responsibility" of having "the largest microphone in the state."[41]

Personal life

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Hong lives in Madison, Wisconsin, with her son.[2] She works part-time as a bartender.[42]

Hong is a supporter of the Milwaukee Bucks and Forward Madison FC.[43][44] In 2021, she got a tattoo featuring the popular slogan "Bucks in Six" after the team's 2021 NBA championship.[43]

Electoral history

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Wisconsin Assembly (2020–2024)

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Year Election Date Elected Defeated Total Plurality
2020 Primary[45] Aug. 11 Francesca Hong Democratic 4,793 28.15% Tyrone Cratic Williams Dem. 3,810 22.37% 17,029 983
Marsha A. Rummel Dem. 2,803 16.46%
Heather Driscoll Dem. 2,780 16.33%
Nicki Vander Meulen Dem. 1,586 9.31%
Ali Maresh Dem. 1,099 6.45%
Dewey Bredeson Dem. 143 0.84%
General[46] Nov. 3 Francesca Hong Democratic 35,731 88.02% Patrick Hull Rep. 4,779 11.77% 40,594 30,952
2022 General[47] Nov. 8 Francesca Hong (inc) Democratic 27,702 98.39% --Unopposed-- 28,154 27,250
2024 General[48] Nov. 5 Francesca Hong (inc) Democratic 34,311 98.85% 34,709 33,913

References

[edit]
  1. ↑ Meyerhofer, Kelly (November 5, 2020). "Madison voters elect 1st Asian-American and 1st Muslim to state Legislature". Wisconsin State Journal. Retrieved December 11, 2020.
  2. 1 2 3 "Representative Francesca Hong". Wisconsin Legislature. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
  3. 1 2 3 "District 76 - Madison - Meet Francesca Hong". Wisconsin Legislature. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
  4. ↑ Ratajewski, Ryan (May 17, 2004). "Quite a comeback for Cooney Girls Soccer". Living Oconomowoc Focus. pp. 18–22.
  5. 1 2 Reilly, Briana (January 6, 2021). "Into the fire: Chef, restaurant owner, activist Francesca Hong brings a service mindset to the Capitol". The Cap Times. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
  6. ↑ Journal, Samara Kalk Derby | Wisconsin State (August 18, 2016). "Restaurant News: 43 North closed, possibly indefinitely, due to pipe problem". Wisconsin State Journal. Retrieved July 3, 2026.
  7. ↑ Christians, Lindsay (January 10, 2022). "A room of her own: Where are the female executive chefs?". The Cap Times. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
  8. ↑ Christians, Lindsay (February 13, 2024). "Morris Ramen on King Street to close Feb. 24". The Cap Times. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
  9. ↑ Brogan, Dylan (May 10, 2017). "Better together". Isthmus. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
  10. ↑ Reilly, Briana (June 11, 2020). "Evers appoints Chris Taylor to replace Karofsky in Dane County Circuit Court". The Capital Times. Retrieved December 11, 2020.
  11. ↑ Reilly, Briana (July 24, 2020). "Assembly candidate Francesca Hong doesn't live in the 76th District, plans to move there". The Cap Times. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
  12. 1 2 Ferral, Katelyn (August 11, 2020). "Chef Francesca Hong tops seven-candidate field to claim 76th Assembly win". The Cap Times. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
  13. ↑ Hong, Francesca (October 8, 2020). "I'm Running for Office This November Because I'm a Chef and My Whole Industry Is at Stake". Bon Appétit. Retrieved December 11, 2020.
  14. ↑ Hamer, Emily (August 12, 2020). "Francesca Hong wins packed race for Assembly District 76 on Madison's liberal Isthmus". Wisconsin State Journal. Retrieved November 21, 2020.
  15. ↑ @DSAMadison (May 27, 2024). "MADSA is proud to endorse DSA member and State Representative @FrancescaHongWI! Since 2021, Fran has championed socialist policies like an Economic Justice Bill of Rights, paid family leave, and reproductive rights. Join DSA today to re-elect Rep. Hong!" (Tweet) – via X (formerly Twitter).
  16. ↑ Madison Area DSA [@dsamadison]; (January 31, 2026). "Madison Area DSA is proud to endorse DSA member and community organizer Representative Francesca Hong (@francescahongwi) for governor!". Retrieved January 31, 2026 – via Instagram.
  17. ↑ Brown, Gregory (February 9, 2026). "Milwaukee DSA ready for statewide governor's race as Madison DSA joins in endorsing Francesca Hong – Milwaukee DSA". Retrieved February 11, 2026.
  18. ↑ Tseng, Esther (July 6, 2021). "Chef Francesca Hong Is Proving that Food Is Political". Civil Eats. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
  19. ↑ Flores, Iuscely (March 11, 2023). "State Reps Hong and Shelton reintroduce Economic Justice Bill of Rights". Wisconsin Examiner. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
  20. ↑ Hoffman, Jada (August 2, 2021). "Wisconsin State Rep. makes a splash to advocate for clean water". WKOW. Retrieved August 2, 2021.
  21. ↑ "Rep. Hong: Appointed to Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors". Office of Representative Francesca Hong (Press release). December 8, 2022. Retrieved December 14, 2022 – via Wispolitics.com.
  22. ↑ Gunn, Erik (February 15, 2024). "Democratic lawmakers renew their pitch for a paid leave program in Wisconsin". Wisconsin Examiner. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
  23. 1 2 Yam, Kimmy (February 28, 2024). "Wisconsin could become next state to mandate Asian American history in schools". NBC News. Retrieved April 13, 2026.
  24. ↑ Venkatraman, Sakshi (April 4, 2024). "Wisconsin will now require Asian American history to be taught in schools". NBC News. Retrieved April 13, 2026.
  25. ↑ McGroarty, Erin (March 26, 2024). "'Uninstructed' primary movement in Wisconsin boasts new endorsements". The Cap Times. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
  26. ↑ Cox, Lorin (August 19, 2025). "Wisconsin's Assembly Socialist Caucus hopes to capitalize on momentum from Minnesota, New York City mayoral races". Wisconsin Public Radio. Retrieved March 19, 2026.
  27. ↑ Walsh, Alaina (March 4, 2025). "We're in the fierce urgency of now': Wisconsin lawmakers push for climate accountability bill". The Daily Cardinal. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
  28. ↑ "Rep. Hong, legislative Democrats: Reintroduce Economic Justice Bill of Rights". WisPolitics. March 20, 2025. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
  29. ↑ Spears, Baylor (May 2, 2025). "Three Assembly members form Wisconsin's first Legislative Asian Caucus". Wisconsin Examiner. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
  30. ↑ "Bolstered by more competitive districts, Dems traded votes for a few budget wins". Badger Project. July 28, 2025. Retrieved July 30, 2026.
  31. ↑ Chow, Andrew (February 19, 2026). "The People vs. AI". Time. Retrieved April 29, 2026.
  32. ↑ Whitehead, Sandra (February 17, 2026). "Wisconsin lawmakers propose repeal of Walker-era ban on boycotting Israel". Wisconsin Muslim Journal. Retrieved July 30, 2026.
  33. ↑ Bauer, Scott (July 24, 2025). "Democratic Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers won't seek third term". Wisconsin Watch. Retrieved September 17, 2025.
  34. ↑ Shafer, Dan (August 19, 2025). "A too-early breakdown of the 2026 race for governor in Wisconsin". The Recombobulation Area. Retrieved September 17, 2025.
  35. ↑ Booker, Brakkton (September 17, 2025). "Leader of anti-Biden protest vote announces bid for Wisconsin governor". Politico. Retrieved September 17, 2025.
  36. ↑ "Wisconsin gubernatorial election, 2026 (August 11 Democratic primary)". BALLOTPEDIA. Retrieved July 5, 2026.
  37. ↑ Beran, Liam (November 10, 2025). "Can Francesca Hong capture Mamdani's momentum?". Isthmus. Retrieved December 21, 2025.
  38. ↑ Lin, Jesse (September 26, 2025). "State Rep. Francesca Hong says she wants a Wisconsin-run bank during Green Bay visit in governor's race". Green Bay Press-Gazette. Retrieved December 21, 2025.
  39. ↑ "Governor candidate announces policy that would lower Packers tailgating grocery costs". WBAY. September 25, 2025. Retrieved December 21, 2025.
  40. ↑ "Hong campaign: Calls for AI data center construction moratorium, unveils plan to protect taxpayers and environment". Francesca Hong For Governor. January 6, 2026. Retrieved January 6, 2026 – via WisPolitics.
  41. 1 2 3 4 Beck, Molly (July 30, 2026). "Hong looks beyond primary as her lead in the Democratic field widens". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved July 30, 2026.
  42. ↑ John McCormick. (27 July 2026). "A Democratic Socialist Bartender Rattles Party Elite in Run for Wisconsin Governor". Accessed 28 July 2026.
  43. 1 2 Jaffe, Toby (July 27, 2026). "The Democratic Establishment's Mess in Wisconsin". The American Prospect. Retrieved July 29, 2026.
  44. ↑ "Into The Stands: Francesca Hong". Forward Madison FC. Retrieved July 17, 2026.
  45. ↑ Canvass Results for 2020 Partisan Primary - 8/11/2020 (PDF) (Report). Wisconsin Elections Commission. August 26, 2020. p. 45. Retrieved August 21, 2025.
  46. ↑ Canvass Results for 2020 General Election - 11/3/2020 (PDF) (Report). Wisconsin Elections Commission. November 18, 2020. p. 26. Retrieved August 21, 2025.
  47. ↑ Canvass Results for 2022 General Election - 11/8/2022 (PDF) (Report). Wisconsin Elections Commission. November 30, 2022. p. 26. Retrieved August 21, 2025.
  48. ↑ County by County Report - 2024 General Election (PDF) (Report). Wisconsin Elections Commission. November 27, 2024. p. 24. Retrieved December 1, 2024.
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