Francesca Hong: Wisconsin Gubernatorial Candidate's Vision and Korean American Identity

Francesca Hong, a 37-year-old Korean American candidate, is vying for the Democratic nomination in Wisconsin's gubernatorial election. With voting underway, Hong has emerged as a leading contender, aiming to make history as Wisconsin's first female governor and the first U.S. governor of Korean heritage.

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That tattoo captures in miniature the identity of this Korean American, who was born and bred in the state of Wisconsin.

Reflecting on her identity, Hong sports a tattoo of three roses of Sharon, Korea's national flower, cradling the map of Wisconsin. This symbol encapsulates her deep connection to both her Korean American heritage and the state where she was born and raised. "I've come to really love and honor and be proud of my Korean American identity and heritage," Hong told The Hankyoreh.

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I’ve come to really love and honor and be proud of my Korean American identity and heritage.

During her campaign, Hong has connected with voters across Wisconsin, hearing their concerns about the rising costs of healthcare and childcare, and the need for better funding for public schools and essential services. "They're telling me that they're scared, they're tired, and they want government to work as hard as they do to make things better," she said. Hong advocates for policies such as universal childcare, robust public school funding, and Medicare for All, noting that similar initiatives have been successfully implemented in South Korea.

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They’re telling me that they’re scared, they’re tired, and they want government to work as hard as they do to make things better.

Hong expressed frustration that such policies, which aim to provide economic security and improve lives, are not yet a reality in Wisconsin. She believes that with affordable childcare, well-funded schools, and fair taxation, the state's infrastructure and public services could be significantly improved, leading to a better quality of life for all residents. Her campaign focuses on holding corporations accountable for what she describes as "corporate welfare."

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A lot of what we’re finding, and what we’ve known, is many people want so many of the same things. They want to be able to take care of themselves, their loved ones and their families, and to be able to have more control and economic security.