Rep. Francesca Hong, D-Madison, discussed her policy goals and campaign for governor, highlighting concerns over funding cuts to the University of Wisconsin System, in an interview with The Daily Cardinal Tuesday.
Hong, a member of the Assembly’s Socialist caucus, represents Madison’s East side and Isthmus. She was first elected in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic and said her decision to run for governor was similar to her reasoning then.
“It is similar to how I felt during the COVID pandemic, being in a moment of crisis and chaos,” Hong said. “But I think what is needed right now is unapologetic, bold leadership where folks are prioritizing [and] building working class power.”
She joins Democratic candidates Lt Gov. Sara Rodriguez, Milwaukee County Exec David Crowley, Sen. Kelda Roys, D-Madison, and Ryan Strnad and Republican candidates Washington County Exec Josh Schoemann, businessman Bill Berrien and U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany.
UW System priorities
Hong highlighted several plans to address issues the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Wisconsin System face.
“I’m disappointed that the Republican representatives [and] federal representatives in this state have made it harder for people to have cheaper tuition [and the ability to have] research funded and grants that were promised,” Hong said.
Hong also said as governor, she would work to ensure the legislature takes action on allowing bonding authority for the UW System, especially at UW-Madison, saying if granted it would “allow for cheaper building and construction of dorms for students to have more quality affordable housing.”
Granting bonding authority to the UW System would permit campuses to take out loans to allow for building without approval from the Legislature. UW-Madison is currently the only Big Ten school without this authority, resulting in construction delays and significant cost increases for capital projects.
The UW System has struggled with approval for building projects in the past. In 2023, they struck a deal with the Republican-led legislature restructuring diversity, equity and inclusion in exchange for funding approval for the new engineering building. In the most recent budget cycle, the university received $29 million to renovate Rheta Market, Chadbourne and Dejope residence halls, but no funding or approval to build a new residence hall.
Collective bargaining rights
Hong said she wants to repeal Act 10, a measure passed in 2011 by former Republican Gov. Scott Walker which effectively eliminated collective bargaining rights for most public sector employees.
In December 2024, a Dane County Judge struck down multiple sections of Act 10, arguing the distinction between “general” and “public safety” employees violated the equal protections clause in the state's constitution. In February 2025, Act 10 was sent to the appeals court.
“The state has a responsibility to make sure that our universities have healthy investments,” she said. “The bonding authority and repealing Act 10 are going to make it so that we can preserve and protect what is an economic engine [and] a place for critical thinking that’s going to make our state a healthier place to live in.”
Immigration
Hong shared her plans to respond to heightened anti-immigration efforts from the Trump administration, which have drawn protests in Madison and around the country.
“There is legislation that we can pass,” she said. “[It] can make it harder for ICE agents to detain folks or for sheriff’s departments to work with ICE.”
Hong also discussed the current political climate and encouraged people to get involved with their local communities.
“I think it's important to name that what’s happening right now is authoritarianism,” Hong said. “Voting every election is a powerful way to fight back, but right now it's even more powerful that we continue to care and look out for neighbors.”
Local community
“I was proud to pass legislation that would require K-12 public schools to include Asian American history in their curriculum,” Hong said. “I’ve passed bipartisan legislation, a bill that was led by Republicans that I ensured was pushed through and signed by the governor. Rural or urban, regardless of zip code, working-class people want cheaper health care, they want free child care, they want to see their kids go to fully funded public schools.”
Hong intended to study Journalism, but only did a couple of semesters.
“I didn’t quite feel like it was the right place for me at that point in my life. I wanted to work in restaurants,” she said.
Hong has worked in the service industry for almost 16 years at various restaurants and bars around Madison, including 43 North. She said she was also the co-owner and co-chef of Morris Ramen from 2016 to 2024.
“It was in restaurants where I learned that being of service to people can be a very powerful way to keep communities and make them stronger,” she said.
Jake Wesson is a staff writer and photographer for The Daily Cardinal. He has written stories covering politics, protests, public safety and more. You can follow him on Twitter @jake_wesson11.
Drew Wesson is a staff writer and photographer for The Daily Cardinal. He has written stories covering public safety, protests, political events and more. You can follow him on Twitter @drewwesson1.
