Francesca Hong Discusses Campaign Efforts After Gubernatorial Primary Loss

<figure> <img alt="Francesca Hong poses with a supporter." src="https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/10/gettyimages-2286526266.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=0,0,100,100" /> <figcaption> Francesca Hong, a representative in the Wisconsin State Assembly, poses for a photo with a supporter in Racine, Wisconsin, on July 19, 2026. | Sara Stathas for the Washington Post via Getty Images </figcaption> </figure> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Wisconsin gubernatorial race was one of the closely watched Democratic primaries in the country this year, featuring state Rep. Francesca Hong against Milwaukee Democrat David Crowley, who received the endorsement of the state’s sitting Democratic governor, Tony Evers.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Hong lost the race, allowing Crowley to face Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany in the general election this fall. However, she has returned to the campaign trail, aiming to assist Democrats in securing a trifecta in the state, which includes winning the governor’s race and both legislative chambers.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Hong discussed the challenges of unifying voters in an interview with <em>America, Actually</em> host Astead Herndon, addressing her loss, Evers’s role in it, and whether Crowley can attract voters who supported her campaign, particularly regarding the significant issue of data centers.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">“I said this, and I will continue to say it — the person who is most electable is the person who ended up getting the most votes, and that was Crowley this time around,” Hong stated. “But I think there’s a disservice when you have the most powerful Democrat in the state choosing to ignore a lot of voters and people who were inspired and energized and coming out to participate in politics for the first time through our campaign. I think it was shortsighted to use electability almost as a fear tactic.”</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The conversation also covered the importance of Democrats winning both houses of the state legislature in addition to the governor’s mansion. Hong noted that for the past 16 years, a Republican majority in the state legislature has hindered the passage of policies that could significantly improve the lives of residents in Wisconsin. She emphasized the opportunity to flip the assembly and state Senate to a Democratic majority, which would allow for the implementation of policies such as raising the minimum wage, legalizing marijuana, and codifying abortion rights.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Hong also highlighted the need to repeal Act 10, which restricted collective bargaining rights for public-sector employees. She argued that Wisconsin has a historical legacy of workers’ rights and that the Democratic trifecta could restore progress in this area.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Regarding rural communities, Hong discussed the decline of manufacturing jobs and the lack of support for small farmers as factors contributing to the Democratic party's struggles in these areas. She suggested that the party needs to connect with rural voters by addressing the impacts of corporate control and advocating for policies that reflect shared values.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">On the topic of data centers, Hong expressed that it is a significant issue for everyone, emphasizing the importance of community control and involvement in local decisions. She noted that while Crowley is committed to renewable energy for data centers, he has not proposed a moratorium on their construction.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Reflecting on her primary loss, Hong stated that she is focused on remaining accessible to voters and learning from the experience. She acknowledged the impact of Evers’s endorsement of Crowley, which she felt may have influenced the outcome in certain communities.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Despite her loss, Hong emphasized that her campaign garnered over 300,000 votes, losing by fewer than 4,000 votes, and that her supporters should continue to engage in the political process. She believes that achieving a Democratic trifecta in Wisconsin is crucial not only for state policies but also for the broader national landscape, as it could improve the Democratic brand and encourage voter turnout in future elections.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">“We’re a pivotal state when it comes to the federal elections as well. We have an opportunity, through Wisconsin, to actually start improving the brand for Democrats. And if we do that here, this trickles out to the rest of the country,” Hong concluded.</p>