Francesca Hong, a state legislator, is making a bold attempt to become the governor of Wisconsin. She seeks to demonstrate that a democratic socialist can find success in a battleground state. However, some observers warn this could lead to a Republican victory.
Jeff Hanneman, a Wisconsin Rapids resident, joined the opposition to a proposed 220-acre data center near his home. Concerned about potential pollution of the Wisconsin River, he placed a “No Data Center” sign on his lawn. Although traditionally voting Republican, Hanneman supported Hong, who advocates for pausing data center construction.
“I really don’t think or care about the label,” Hanneman expressed. “If she was voted into office, she could do a lot of good things for our state.”
The progressive movement is gaining momentum as liberal voters, dissatisfied with what they perceive as an ineffective Democratic establishment, have supported new candidates. Socialism, once a contentious term, has become more embraced on the left. Candidates identifying as socialists have secured victories in House primaries in major cities like New York, Denver, and Philadelphia.
Wisconsin presents a challenging environment. Trump carried the state in 2024, making elections competitive. Hong, a 37-year-old Democratic state representative and former restaurant owner, faces multiple opponents for her party’s nomination. If successful, she will contend with a Republican candidate. This prospect alarms some Democrats, who fear moderate and conservative voters may reject socialism.
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