Socialist 'Wild Card' Bartender Shakes Up Wisconsin Governor's Race

Paul Riverbank, 9/18/2025In a fascinating development for Wisconsin's 2026 gubernatorial race, State Rep. Francesca Hong emerges as an unconventional force. Her working-class background, continued service industry work, and socialist caucus membership present a stark departure from traditional candidacy models, potentially reshaping Democratic primary dynamics.

Wisconsin politics rarely serves up genuine surprises, but State Rep. Francesca Hong's entry into the 2026 governor's race has veteran observers doing a double-take.

I've covered state politics for two decades, and Hong's candidacy breaks the mold in ways that merit attention. Between shifts at local restaurants where she still works the line, Hong has been crafting a campaign that deliberately upends traditional political playbooks. "Wild card" isn't just campaign messaging – it's an apt description of a 36-year-old lawmaker who spent last Tuesday debating legislation and Wednesday night washing dishes at a Madison eatery.

The timing feels significant. Wisconsin hasn't seen an open governor's race since Scott Walker's first run in 2010. Now, with Tony Evers heading toward retirement, both parties are navigating uncharted waters. The Democratic field already includes some familiar faces – Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez brings executive experience, while Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley offers urban leadership credentials. State Sen. Kelda Roys is making another run, and AG Josh Kaul keeps dropping hints about joining the fray.

But it's Hong's background that fascinates me. She's one of just four Democrats in the Assembly's Socialist Caucus – a detail that makes Republican candidate Bill Berrien's eyes light up. He's already framing 2026 as a clash between "builders and bureaucrats," though that messaging feels a bit forced given Hong's small business experience.

Here's what makes this race particularly intriguing: Hong isn't just talking about working-class struggles – she's living them. During our recent conversation at a local diner, she had to pause twice to check work schedules at her restaurant. She's pushing for universal child care while juggling single parenthood. Her housing challenges mirror those facing many Wisconsinites.

The Republican side isn't sitting still. Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann brings solid conservative credentials, while Berrien offers a business-focused perspective. Tom Tiffany's potential entry from Congress could reshape the GOP primary entirely.

What's less clear is whether Hong's unorthodox approach can translate into electoral success. Her Assembly wins came in a safely Democratic Madison district. The path to victory in places like Waukesha or Brown County will require more than social media savvy and progressive enthusiasm.

Yet in a political environment where voters increasingly distrust traditional candidates, Hong's "what you see is what you get" authenticity might resonate more than pundits expect. The August 2026 primary is still months away, but this race already promises to challenge everything we thought we knew about Wisconsin politics.

Wisconsin politics rarely serves up genuine surprises, but State Rep. Francesca Hong's entry into the 2026 governor's race has veteran observers doing a double-take.I've covered state politics for two decades, and Hong's candidacy breaks the mold in ways that merit attention. Between shifts at local restaurants where she still works the line, Hong has been crafting a campaign that deliberately upends traditional political playbooks. "Wild card" isn't just campaign messaging – it's an apt description of a 36-year-old lawmaker who spent last Tuesday debating legislation and Wednesday night washing dishes at a Madison eatery.The timing feels significant. Wisconsin hasn't seen an open governor's race since Scott Walker's first run in 2010. Now, with Tony Evers heading toward retirement, both parties are navigating uncharted waters. The Democratic field already includes some familiar faces – Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez brings executive experience, while Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley offers urban leadership credentials. State Sen. Kelda Roys is making another run, and AG Josh Kaul keeps dropping hints about joining the fray.But it's Hong's background that fascinates me. She's one of just four Democrats in the Assembly's Socialist Caucus – a detail that makes Republican candidate Bill Berrien's eyes light up. He's already framing 2026 as a clash between "builders and bureaucrats," though that messaging feels a bit forced given Hong's small business experience.Here's what makes this race particularly intriguing: Hong isn't just talking about working-class struggles – she's living them. During our recent conversation at a local diner, she had to pause twice to check work schedules at her restaurant. She's pushing for universal child care while juggling single parenthood. Her housing challenges mirror those facing many Wisconsinites.The Republican side isn't sitting still. Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann brings solid conservative credentials, while Berrien offers a business-focused perspective. Tom Tiffany's potential entry from Congress could reshape the GOP primary entirely.What's less clear is whether Hong's unorthodox approach can translate into electoral success. Her Assembly wins came in a safely Democratic Madison district. The path to victory in places like Waukesha or Brown County will require more than social media savvy and progressive enthusiasm.Yet in a political environment where voters increasingly distrust traditional candidates, Hong's "what you see is what you get" authenticity might resonate more than pundits expect. The August 2026 primary is still months away, but this race already promises to challenge everything we thought we knew about Wisconsin politics.