Pro-Palestinian Socialist Francesca Hong Led Wisconsin Democratic Governor Primary Polls

Wisconsin state Rep. Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist with a strongly pro-Palestinian record, headed into Tuesday’s Democratic primary for governor with a sizable lead over her rivals.

Polling conducted shortly before the vote showed Hong well ahead of the Democratic field despite concerns from Jewish organizations and establishment Democrats about both her political positions and her prospects in a statewide general election.

Jewish Groups Raise Concerns Over Israel Record

Hong has faced scrutiny over her positions on Israel and antisemitism, including appearances alongside prominent far-left figures who have drawn criticism for inflammatory comments about Israel and Jews.

She participated in livestream fundraising events with Hasan Piker, a prominent left-wing commentator and harsh critic of Israel who also campaigned alongside her.

Hong also appeared twice with Michael Beyer, known online as “Mike from PA,” who has previously described Jewish identity using deeply inflammatory language, including calling it a “demonic ethnicity.”

During one appearance with Beyer, Hong encouraged supporters to raise money for people on the “front lines in Gaza.”

Polling Showed a Large Democratic Primary Lead

A State Navigate poll of likely primary voters conducted roughly one week before the election placed Hong at 44%, double the support of Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who stood at 22%.

Only 17% of respondents identified themselves as democratic socialists, suggesting Hong had attracted support beyond the ideological movement with which she is closely associated. Her campaign focused heavily on working families, healthcare and the growth of data centers in Wisconsin.

Marquette Law School polling also showed Hong maintaining a substantial advantage in the crowded Democratic contest.

Her rise came amid significant turmoil in the primary field. Crowley re-entered the contest after previously suspending his campaign, while Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez withdrew following an accounting controversy. Former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes also exited after struggling to gain momentum.

Hong Reversed Course on Israeli Flag Vandalism

Hong also drew attention after apologizing for her own response to the vandalism of an Israeli flag in her district in December 2023.

At the time, Hong described the incident as “highly antisemitic” and called for it to be investigated as a possible hate crime.

She later said she regretted contacting police, telling the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that an image of the incident had been presented in a way that blurred what she views as an important distinction between anti-Zionism and antisemitism.

Opposition to Israel Policies

Although a Wisconsin governor has little direct authority over American foreign policy, Hong has repeatedly taken positions hostile to Israel's current government and to state policies designed to counter anti-Israel boycotts.

She has labeled Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government “genocidal” and supported overturning Wisconsin’s restrictions on government contracts with companies that boycott Israel.

Hong has also criticized Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers for supporting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism, a standard widely used by governments and Jewish organizations to identify modern antisemitic rhetoric and conduct.

DSA Comments Add to Democratic Concerns

Hong's affiliation with the broader democratic socialist movement has also become an issue as Democrats assess her appeal in a competitive general election state.

The controversy intensified after Democratic Socialists of America co-chair Megan Romer described Hamas's October 7, 2023 massacre in Israel as “largely inevitable” during an interview with The New Yorker. Romer also said she “probably would have” attended a pro-Palestinian demonstration held in New York one day after the massacre had she been able to do so.

Hamas terrorists murdered approximately 1,200 people in Israel on October 7 and kidnapped more than 250 others, triggering the Gaza war.

Hong had previously made gestures toward Wisconsin's Jewish community. In 2023, her campaign sold a Hebrew-language shirt and directed proceeds to Jewish Social Services of Madison while promoting multiculturalism and highlighting the Jewish significance of the number 18 and the phrase “L’chaim.”

Her more recent political record, however, has left Jewish voters and pro-Israel Democrats watching closely as the Democratic Party's progressive wing seeks greater influence in another key Midwestern battleground state.