Pro-Palestinian democratic socialist Francesca Hong polling far ahead in Wisconsin governor’s race

Wisconsin's Democratic primary for governor is nearing its close with state Rep. Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist, holding a significant lead in polls. Her potential victory has stirred concerns among Wisconsin's Jewish groups and the state's Democratic establishment, who question her electability in the general election.

Hong has drawn criticism for her record on Israel and antisemitism. She has participated in online fundraisers with strident Israel critic Hasan Piker and twice with Michael Beyer, who has used inflammatory language about Jewish identity. During one appearance with Beyer, Hong encouraged constituents to fundraise for those on the "front lines in Gaza."

Despite these controversies, a poll conducted a week before the election showed Hong with 44% of the vote, double that of her closest competitor, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. Only 17% of surveyed voters identified as democratic socialists, suggesting Hong's appeal extends beyond her base with a platform focused on working families, healthcare, and data centers.

The progressive left is watching Wisconsin closely, hoping for a repeat of Abdul El-Sayed's narrow victory in Michigan's U.S. Senate primary. However, El-Sayed's win was by a slim margin, and the dynamics in Wisconsin, while showing Hong in a strong lead, are being closely monitored.

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fundraise for people on the “front lines in Gaza.”