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Francesca Hong
American chef and politician (born 1988) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Francesca Hong (born November 4, 1988) is an American chef, community organizer, and Democratic politician from Madison, Wisconsin. She is a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly, representing Wisconsin's 76th Assembly district since 2021. She is the first Asian American member of the Wisconsin Legislature.[1] She is a candidate in the Democratic primary for governor of Wisconsin in the 2026 election.
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Early life and career
Hong was born on November 4, 1988, in Madison, Wisconsin, to Korean American immigrant parents.[2][3] During her childhood, she attended public schools in Madison, graduating from Madison West High School in 2007.[2] Hong then attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison, dropping out in 2009 to work a full time job.[4] During her time at the university, Hong studied Spanish and journalism.[5]
After attending UW–Madison, Hong began working as a dishwasher at 43 North Restaurant in Madison, later becoming a line cook, sous chef, and eventually executive chef at the restaurant in 2011.[3][6]
In 2016 Hong and her then-husband, Matt Morris, opened Morris Ramen.[5] The restaurant remained open until 2024, when it closed down in February of that year.[7] Also in 2016, Hong helped found the Culinary Ladies Collective, alongside fellow business owners Tami Lax and Laila Borokhim.[8]
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Political career
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In March 2020, incumbent state representative Chris Taylor announced she would not run for re-election to the Wisconsin State Assembly that year, creating an open seat in the heavily Democratic 76th Assembly district.[9] Hong, who at the time did not reside in the district, announced that she would run to succeed her in the 2020 election.[10] The open seat attracted a large primary field, with Hong facing six opponents for the nomination. During the primary, Hong ran a progressive campaign opposing the Madison police union and supporting the ability for culinary workers to organize into unions, while also emphasizing her business experience as a chef and restaurant owner.[11][12] She won the primary with 28% of the vote, a 6 point margin over Madison police officer Tyrone Cratic Williams, who garnered 22.37%.[11]
Hong defeated Republican Patrick Hull in the general election by a 77 point margin, and was sworn in on January 4, 2021. She became the first Asian American state legislator in Wisconsin history.[13]
During her first term in the legislature, Hong sponsored efforts to raise the tipped minimum wage.[14] During her first term, Hong introduced a bill to establish an Economic Bill of Rights in Wisconsin.[15] A supporter of environmental rights, she was among 10 people to sign up for a "dunk tank" fundraiser in Madison on August 1, 2021, to raise awareness about the importance of clean water.[16]
In 2022, Hong was re-elected unopposed. After the election, Hong was appointed to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation board of directors, to the seat controlled by the Assembly minority leader, Greta Neubauer.[17]
In February 2024, Hong backed reforms to implement paid family leave in the state.[18]
During the 2024 Democratic Party presidential primaries, Hong backed the Uncommitted National Movement to protest President Joe Biden's policies towards the Gaza war, and drafted a letter calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.[19] In May 2024, Hong was endorsed by the Madison Area chapter of Democratic Socialists of America.[20] In the 2024 elections, Hong was re-elected unopposed. Following the elections, Hong joined the State Assembly's Socialist Caucus.[21]
In March 2025, Hong supported the Climate Accountability Act, which aimed to cut greenhouse gas emissions by half by 2030, with the goal of reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.[22] Hong additionally co-sponsored a bill establishing an Economic Bill of Rights in the state, which she had previously introduced in the 2021–2022 and 2023–2024 legislative sessions.[23]
In May 2025, Hong formed the first Asian Caucus in the State Assembly with freshman representatives Angelito Tenorio and Renuka Mayadev.[24]
Gubernatorial campaign (2025–2026)
After incumbent governor Tony Evers announced he would not run for a third term in the 2026 Wisconsin gubernatorial election, Hong expressed interest in seeking the Democratic nomination to succeed him.[25][26] She formally launched her campaign for governor on September 17, 2025, making comparisons to Rosie the Riveter in her campaign launch and calling to fund public education and universal childcare, while vowing not to take any corporate PAC donations to fund her campaign.[27] Hong faces a crowded Democratic Party primary field, including the incumbent lieutenant governor, Sara Rodriguez, Milwaukee County executive David Crowley, and Madison state senator Kelda Roys. Hong has described herself as the "wild card" in the race, running as a progressive outsider.[28]
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Personal life
Hong lives in Madison, Wisconsin, with her son.[2] Hong has been a member of Democratic Socialists of America since 2020.[29][better source needed]
Electoral history
Wisconsin Assembly (2020–2024)
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References
External links
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