State Rep. Francesca Hong on Running for Wisconsin Governor

In this powerful conversation, Dr. Kristin Lyerly sits down with the first Asian American member of the Wisconsin Legislature, who's now running to become the state's next governor. Hong brings a perspective rarely seen in executive politics: she's a chef, a bartender, a single mother navigating affordable housing challenges, and a Democratic Socialist who's promising to be the "wild card" in Wisconsin's 2026 race.

From the dish pit to the State Capitol to the campaign trail, Hong shares her journey and her vision for a Wisconsin that centers working-class families. She discusses her progressive platform - including universal childcare, paid family leave, and affordable housing - and explains why she believes Wisconsin needs a movement, not just another establishment candidate.

Dr. Lyerly and Rep. Hong tackle the tough questions: How does Hong plan to win without corporate PAC money? What does democratic socialism mean to Wisconsin voters? How would she work with a potentially Republican-controlled legislature? And what does it mean to be a politician who still picks up bar shifts and knows what it's like to struggle with rent?

Whether you're a progressive looking for bold leadership or a skeptic wondering if Wisconsin is ready for such a departure from traditional politics, this conversation offers an unfiltered look at one of the most unconventional candidates in Wisconsin's political landscape.

This is the second in our series of conversations with candidates for Wisconsin governor across the political spectrum.

Listen to the rest of the series here:

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