Francesca Hong, running for governor of Wisconsin, focuses campaign on affordability, Israel

Francesca Hong, a Democratic candidate for Wisconsin governor, is campaigning on affordability and a critical stance toward US support for Israel. Her platform, which includes addressing housing, education, and childcare, has propelled her to a leading position in the Democratic primary, ahead of former Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes. Hong, a democratic socialist, has drawn scrutiny from some Jewish community members for her strong criticism of Israel, including calling its actions in Gaza “genocide,” and for her appearances on streams hosted by controversial anti-Israel influencers. Critics, such as Marc Herstand, a Jewish Madison resident, believe her positions make her “probably the least electable of the candidates running” in the general election, despite a recent poll showing her leading presumptive Republican nominee Tom Tiffany. Hong has also faced criticism for previously calling police about a vandalized Israeli flag, an action she now regrets, and for her efforts to repeal a state law banning contracts with businesses boycotting Israel.