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

State Representative Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist, is leading significantly in the Wisconsin Democratic primary for governor, according to a State Navigate poll showing her with 44% support. This lead comes despite concerns from Wisconsin Jewish groups and the Democratic establishment regarding her stance on Israel and past associations. Hong has appeared with critics of Israel, including one who called Jewish identity a “demonic ethnicity,” and urged fundraising for people on the “front lines in Gaza.” She also apologized for previously calling the police on a vandalized Israeli flag, stating, “The image was cropped and incomplete to misrepresent anti-Zionism as antisemitism – a distinction I take seriously.” Her electability in the general election is a concern, particularly given recent controversial statements by a DSA co-chair regarding the October 7th Hamas attacks.