Democratic socialist Francesca Hong delivered her closing pitch to voters on Tuesday, August 11th, hours before polls closed in the Wisconsin gubernatorial primary. Leading the Democratic field in recent polls, Hong highlighted her platform's focus on "solutions for working class people" and promised to deliver "permanent affordability" in the state.

"A government that puts people first," Hong said after casting her ballot, emphasizing the need for well-funded local governments. She rejected claims that her proposals would lead to "communism," noting the state's current low minimum wages: "This is a state where we still have a $2.33 tip minimum wage and [a] $7.25… minimum wage. I think it’s going to be pretty hard to turn that into socialism soon. But what we can do with this campaign is make sure that we’re fighting for the policies that put working class people first, and we’re fighting for a $20 minimum wage."

Hong has faced criticism from Republicans and some Democrats for her past comments supporting defunding the police and her 2021 call to "cancel Thanksgiving." However, last month she clarified she would not defund the police as governor, stating on Fox News’s "Americas’ Newsroom" with host Dana Perino, "The governor cannot defund the police, and I won’t defund the police. But I will invest in the things we know prevent crime. … We have to be tough on causes if we want to prevent crime."

Hong also criticized her opponent, saying, "What’s major is that he has voted to help raise gas prices and make life harder for Wisconsinites. I think what [the] people of our state are ready for, the good people of Wisconsin are ready for a government that actually puts them first, not Trump."

If victorious in Tuesday’s primary, Hong expressed hope to campaign alongside Democratic leaders "who see the future for the party as bright" in Wisconsin.

Sources