Korean-American candidate Francesca Hong challenges for Wisconsin governor seat

Francesca Hong, a Korean-American candidate running in Wisconsin's Democratic gubernatorial primary, sees her heritage as a source of pride and a lens through which she understands voters' struggles. "I love and am proud of my Korean-American identity," Hong told The Hankyoreh in an interview. Her left forearm bears a tattoo of three mugunghwa (Korean rose of Sharon) flowers, one with a map of Wisconsin inside its bud, symbolizing her dual identity.

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I love and am proud of my Korean-American identity.

Hong, 37, is currently leading in the polls for the August 11 primary. If she wins the primary and the general election, she would become Wisconsin's first female governor and the first Korean-American governor in the United States. "It would be the greatest honor and a great responsibility of my life," she said.

Throughout her campaign, Hong has heard from voters who feel scared and exhausted. They want their government to work as hard as they do. "We talk about the things they care about: properly funding public schools, ensuring local governments have the finances for essential programs like emergency medical services, road repairs, and public libraries," Hong explained. Rising costs for healthcare and childcare are major concerns, leaving many feeling like they are just barely getting by.

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It would be the greatest honor and a great responsibility of my life.

When asked about her policy proposals, such as universal childcare and expanded public school funding, which are often associated with more conservative governments in South Korea, Hong smiled. "What we are confirming is that many people ultimately want very similar things," she said. "They want to be able to care for themselves and their loved ones. If childcare becomes more affordable, schools are well-funded, and a fair tax system means more money for roads and libraries, people will have more economic stability and control over their lives."

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They want to be able to care for themselves and their loved ones.

Hong believes that even conservative countries can implement such policies, expressing frustration that the U.S. has not. She calls for challenging corporate favoritism and government prioritizing billionaires. She also highlighted the progressive roots in Wisconsin, recalling Bernie Sanders' victories in many counties in 2016. Hong, who identifies as a renter and a single mother, believes her lived experiences help her better understand constituents' challenges. Her strategy focuses on listening to voters, organizing a strong ground game, and advocating for ordinary people squeezed by an unfair economic system, rather than focusing on left-right divides.

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What we are confirming is that many people ultimately want very similar things.