The job of running for governor sometimes requires candidates to wear a lot of hats; and to try a lot of jobs — if only long enough for a photo op.
On a sweltering Sunday, Francesca Hong’s campaign for governor had her in Green County wearing shorts and a trucker’s hat, preparing Mexican food in a mobile kitchen for those who came out to the Wegmueller farm in support.
She wore a microphone to amplify casual banter with attendees. And as she worked the cook’s line with farm owner Dan Wegmueller, Hong, a chef and bartender by trade and a state assembly representative in Madison, seemed right at home with a spatula; and then later, discussing the vagaries of Wisconsin politics under a shade tree.
“It’s my immigrant Auntie coming out,” the Korean-American candidate declared to a group of a couple dozen or so supporters. “If there’s food, you are all going to have to eat.”
The other Democrats vying to succeed current Gov. Tony Evers, who is not running for re-election, include former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, current Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, State Sen. Kelda Roys, Hong and state administrator Joel Brennan, who was in Monroe on July 9. Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and former Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation CEO Missy Hughes will be on the ballot as well, but both have since dropped out of the race.
Just two Republicans remain in the August 11 primary election race: U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany and 27-year-old Andy Manske from Greenfield. Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann dropped out the race at the beginning of this year.
Hong’s gubernatorial campaign is focused on creating permanent affordability for Wisconsin residents, fighting growing corporate power, and generally advancing progressive economic policies with fervor. She also told attendees that Wisconsin would be better off it legalized marijuana and stopped surrendering millions in tax revenue to surrounding states.
“A better Wisconsin is possible, and we all have a role in building it,” her campaign website declares. “Any argument that we need to accept less is bull****.”
At the casual event — billed as “Farm to Fork” by organizers — potential voters were able to have face-to-face dialogue with the candidate and tour a dairy farm trying to diversify into agricultural tourism and the farm-stay market.
Cody, a voter from Kenosha who gave only his first name, drove to Green County mainly to meet Hong, and concedes that the large number of Democrats in the race presents a difficult choice.
“But of all the candidates who are running for this election, she appeals to me the best as a voter,” said the 44-year-old. “She comes across as very knowledgeable and aware of what is important to Democrats.”
He said she speaks to his top concerns, including infrastructure, and he added that the importance of utilities and basic services was emphasized for him recently when storms knocked out his power for more than 18 hours.
Hong is also campaigning for universal childcare, paid leave for all, fully funding public school, and fairer, cheaper healthcare. She also was the only Democratic candidate to commit support a moratorium on AI data centers.
The fall general election is scheduled for November 3.
