A Q&A with Francesca Hong, Democratic candidate for Wisconsin governor

“2026 is going to be the year of candidates who challenge the status quo and reshape our politics towards working people instead of the rich and the powerful.”

In the spring of 2020, my partner graduated with a political science degree and we moved back to the home of our hearts, Madison, Wisconsin. He spotted a post by an old friend from his restaurant days; in the midst of our state’s lackluster response to the pandemic, she was running for office for the first time. He reached out to help any way he could, and he became the graphic designer for the rag tag campaign, an underdog in a crowded Democratic primary for an open seat in the Wisconsin Assembly.

And then, she won.

Francesca Hong, a single mom, service industry worker and community organizer who’d attended Madison public schools and dropped out of the University of Wisconsin to cook full-time, became my representative for Wisconsin’s 76th Assembly district. She had worked her way up from dishwasher to become one of the first female executive chefs in the city (at one of those restaurants every cook I knew was clamoring to work at) — and now she had become the first AAPI representative in the Wisconsin legislature and a member of its newly revived Socialist caucus.

I am so proud to know this woman.

Over the past five years (and two subsequent re-elections), watching her work has reminded me to be proud to call Wisconsin home, proud of my working class roots, proud of my Madison heart, proud of all the complexities and history and beauty that make our small state punch way above its class on the national stage.

And now, she’s running to be the Democratic candidate for governor of Wisconsin in 2026.

I cannot wait to see what our state can do with Fran at the helm. And I’m so delighted to introduce you all to her today! Fran is a tireless fighter for the working class who rejects a system that keeps shoveling money to billionaires. As governor, she’ll expand health care, guarantee abortion access and reproductive freedom, protect immigrant communities and LGBTQ+ rights and be a much — much — needed bulwark against the fascism encroaching from Washington, D.C.

If you’ve had enough of my gushing, keep reading to hear from Fran about her work as a legislator and her personal relationship with money.

81% of our Assembly representatives either have no second job or are business owners or attorneys. You’re among a minority of representatives who hold a working class job while serving in the Assembly, including working in restaurants and bartending. In your experience, what role does a person’s relationship with work and money play in their approach to lawmaking?

My relationship with money and work keep me grounded in the realities of the many economic insecurities working class people face. The feelings of stress and shame around debt or being too tired from working on your feet all day don’t leave me because I’m a lawmaker; it helps me better write my values of dignity, care and hard work into law.

What’s the most joyful thing you’ve done with money in the past six(ish) months?

I work multiple jobs, even as a state legislator, to make ends meet. Occasionally I’ll save up tips from working at the Gamma Ray [bar] to treat myself to a night out, or buy my son anime books he’s very into.

What messages did you get about money growing up? Which have you held onto and which have you let go?

Growing up, we didn’t talk about money. We received “holiday money” on New Year’s Day and were told not to lose the cash envelope. I tell my son when he receives “holiday money” not to lose it.

How do various facets of your identity impact your work and finances?

My background as a restaurant worker and owner informs a lot of my decisions about spending. I have a tendency to try and save checks I receive but spend the cash, because that’s how I operated and still do with paychecks and tips.

As a lawmaker, I prioritize worker and small business issues around fair wages, good working conditions including rights to a union and collective bargaining, and equitable access to capital in order to assist with both business debt and business expansion. I value everyone’s right to economic security and I prioritize systemic barriers that make it harder for working class people to have financial flexibility or freedom. That flexibility includes the right to leisure and spending on things that bring people joy or allow rest.

My Economic Justice Bill of Rights resolution remains a framework of principles that aims to ensure economic security for all working class people.

What’s one financial decision that frequently causes you stress? How do you work through it?

I have credit card debt and I’ve been working with my credit union to pay down the balance.

Outside of your campaign, who (in Wisconsin or across the country) should we be watching in 2026 and why?

2026 is going to be the year of candidates who challenge the status quo and reshape our politics towards working people instead of the rich and the powerful. I’m watching folks like Graham Platner in Maine, Ruwa Romman in Georgia, James Talarico in Texas, Abdul El-Sayed and Mallory McMorrow in Michigan, and so many more.

Instead of talking about the weather, what do you wish strangers would ask you about when you meet on the street?

KPop Demon Hunters — part 2 rumored to be in production!

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🗳️ Support working class candidates!

This is where I normally ask you to upgrade to a paid subscription to Healthy Rich — but your money has a higher purpose this week.

Francesca is not only centering care in her platform for Wisconsinites, but I’ve seen first hand how she leads a campaign that centers care for every worker. The Hong campaign is up against billionaires and special interests who want to maintain the status quo that keeps them in power. I’d love for you to show your support of the working-class wave that’s coming for 2026 and chip in however you can to the campaign!

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