Francesca Hong’s Progressive Gambit | Wilmington News

Francesca Hong, Wisconsin’s progressive gubernatorial hopeful, is in a high-stakes primary showdown — and her radical platform is sparking debate within her own party. Once seen as a long shot after frontrunner Mandela Barnes dropped out, Hong now faces off against Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, with Governor Evers backing Crowley. Her bold policies — universal childcare, $20 minimum wage, abolishing ICE, and state IDs for noncitizens — have drawn fire from political strategist David Axelrod, who called her platform “zany liberal” and warned she could be weaponized by Republicans to smear other progressives. Despite past comments that made headlines — like canceling Thanksgiving or defunding the police — Hong stands firm in her democratic socialist identity, backed by the Democratic Socialists of America. With the August 11 primary looming, Hong’s win could reshape Wisconsin’s progressive future — or signal a retreat from the left. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/6a4454f68b3b5605