Francesca Hong is an American politician and former chef who serves as a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly, representing the 76th district since 2021. A Democrat and a democratic socialist, she made history as the first Asian American member of the Wisconsin Legislature, and she has become one of the most talked-about figures in state politics as a candidate in the 2026 Democratic primary for governor. From Madison’s restaurant scene to the state Capitol, she has developed a progressive, grassroots-focused political identity rooted in community organising.
Francesca Hong Biography, Wiki
| Field | Details |
| Full Name | Francesca Hong |
| Date of Birth | 4 November 1988 |
| Age (2026) | 37 years |
| Birthplace | Madison, Wisconsin, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Heritage | Korean American (daughter of immigrant parents) |
| Zodiac Sign | Scorpio |
| Profession | Politician; former chef |
| Known For | Serving in the Wisconsin State Assembly and running for governor |
| Current Office | Member, Wisconsin State Assembly (76th district) |
| In Office Since | 4 January 2021 |
| Preceded By | Chris Taylor |
| Political Party | Democratic Party |
| Other Affiliation | Democratic Socialists of America |
| Former Career | Chef and restaurateur; co-founder of Morris Ramen |
| Education | University of Wisconsin, Madison |
| Children | One |
| Historic First | First Asian American member of the Wisconsin Legislature |
| Official Website | legis.wisconsin.gov |
Francesca Hong Political Offices and Milestones
| Year | Milestone |
| 2020 | Won election to the Wisconsin State Assembly |
| 2021 | Took office, becoming the first Asian American Wisconsin legislator |
| 2022 | Re-elected to the Assembly |
| 2024 | Re-elected again to the 76th district |
| 2025 | Formed the first Asian Caucus in the State Assembly |
| 2026 | Ran in the Democratic primary for governor of Wisconsin |
Francesca Hong Events
| Year | Event |
| 4 November 1988 | Born in Madison, Wisconsin |
| Before politics | Worked as a sous chef and executive chef and co-founded a restaurant |
| 2020 | Won her first election to the State Assembly |
| 2021 | Assumed office in the Wisconsin State Assembly |
| 2022 and 2024 | Re-elected to represent the 76th district |
| 2025 | Established the Assembly’s first Asian Caucus |
| 2026 | Launched and campaigned in the Democratic primary for governor |
Francesca Hong Early Life and Background
Francesca Hong was born on 4 November 1988 in Madison, Wisconsin, to Korean American immigrant parents. Growing up in a family that had come to the United States, she developed roots in her home city that would later define her political base. She went on to attend the University of Wisconsin, Madison, before building a career in the culinary world.
Francesca Hong Culinary Career
Before entering politics, Francesca Hong made her name in Madison’s food scene. She worked her way up through professional kitchens as a sous chef and then as an executive chef, and she co-founded the popular restaurant Morris Ramen. Her years in the demanding restaurant industry, and the experiences of its workers, would go on to shape her political priorities, particularly around labour, small businesses and economic fairness.
Francesca Hong Political Career
Francesca Hong’s Entry into Politics
Francesca Hong was first elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 2020, winning the seat for the 76th district, which covers part of Madison, and succeeding Chris Taylor. When she took office in January 2021 she made history as the first Asian American to serve in the Wisconsin Legislature, a landmark moment for representation in the state.
Francesca Hong in the State Assembly
Francesca Hong has been re-elected to the Assembly in subsequent elections, in 2022 and 2024, and has established herself as a leading progressive voice in the chamber. A member of the Democratic Socialists of America and the Assembly’s Socialist Caucus, she has sponsored and supported legislation on issues including medical-debt relief, energy assistance, food-waste reduction, criminal-justice reform and public education. In 2025 she formed the first Asian Caucus in the State Assembly, further advancing her focus on representation.
Francesca Hong’s 2026 Run for Governor
In the 2026 election cycle, Francesca Hong launched a campaign for governor of Wisconsin, entering the Democratic primary as an outspoken progressive and democratic socialist. Her campaign, built around community-building and grassroots energy, drew significant attention and enthusiastic crowds, and she emerged as a prominent and, to some, unexpected force in the race. Her candidacy also generated debate within her own party, with some mainstream Democrats expressing concern about how a democratic socialist would fare in a statewide general election, while her supporters embraced her movement-driven approach. As with any contested primary, this profile records the dynamics of the race factually, without taking a position.
Francesca Hong Personal Life
Francesca Hong is based in Madison, Wisconsin, the city where she was born and built her career. She has one child. Public records indicate she was previously married, and she has generally kept the focus of her public life on her work and her campaign rather than her private affairs. She is known for an energetic, personable campaigning style rooted in her connections to her community.
Francesca Hong Heritage and Representation
Francesca Hong is Korean American, the daughter of immigrant parents, and her identity has been a significant part of her public profile. As the first Asian American member of the Wisconsin Legislature and the founder of its first Asian Caucus, she has been a notable figure for Asian American representation in state politics, a theme she has highlighted throughout her career.
Francesca Hong Net Worth and Earnings
A reliable figure for Francesca Hong’s net worth is not a meaningful part of the public record, and this profile does not put forward an estimate. Her income has come from her career as a chef and restaurateur and, since 2021, from her salary as a state legislator. Candidate financial disclosures filed with the state remain the authoritative source on her finances.
| Source | Detail |
| Net worth | Not meaningfully documented |
| Main income sources | Her culinary career and her legislative salary |
| Authoritative source | Her state financial and campaign-finance disclosures |
Francesca Hong Social Media
Francesca Hong maintains an active presence across the major platforms, which she uses for legislative updates and her gubernatorial campaign.
| Platform | Handle | Notes |
| Present | Campaign and community content | |
| X (Twitter) | Present | Political and policy messaging |
| Official page | Used for public communication |
Francesca Hong Controversies and Debates
Francesca Hong and the Governor’s Primary
The main debate surrounding Francesca Hong in 2026 has concerned her candidacy for governor and its implications for her party. Her strength in the Democratic primary prompted discussion among some mainstream Democrats about whether a democratic socialist could win a statewide general election, a strategic argument central to the contest. Her supporters counter that her grassroots movement has energised voters. This is a live, contested political debate, and the profile presents it factually without endorsing any view.
Francesca Hong’s Progressive Politics
As an openly democratic-socialist legislator, Francesca Hong has been a polarising figure, praised by progressives for her advocacy and criticised by opponents over her policy positions. These are ordinary features of partisan debate rather than personal scandal, and differing views on her record reflect the wider political conversation.
Lesser Known Facts About Francesca Hong
- She was a chef and co-founded a Madison restaurant before entering politics.
- She became the first Asian American to serve in the Wisconsin Legislature.
- She founded the first Asian Caucus in the Wisconsin State Assembly in 2025.
- She is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America.
- She was born and raised in Madison, the city she represents.
- She has drawn national attention as a democratic socialist running for governor.
- She succeeded Chris Taylor, who later became a judge, in her Assembly seat.
Francesca Hong FAQ
Who is Francesca Hong?
She is an American politician and former chef who serves in the Wisconsin State Assembly for the 76th district and is a 2026 Democratic candidate for governor.
How old is Francesca Hong?
Born on 4 November 1988, she is 37 years old in 2026.
What district does Francesca Hong represent?
She represents the 76th district, covering part of Madison, in the Wisconsin State Assembly.
Is Francesca Hong running for governor?
Yes, she is a candidate in the 2026 Democratic primary for governor of Wisconsin.
What did Francesca Hong do before politics?
She was a chef, working as a sous chef and executive chef and co-founding the restaurant Morris Ramen.
Why is Francesca Hong historically significant?
She is the first Asian American to become a member of the Wisconsin Legislature.
Which party does Francesca Hong belong to?
She is a member of the Democratic Party and also of the Democratic Socialists of America.
When did Francesca Hong take office?
She assumed office in the Wisconsin State Assembly on 4 January 2021.
Where is Francesca Hong from?
She was born and raised in Madison, Wisconsin.
What is Francesca Hong known for in the Assembly?
She is known for her progressive advocacy and for founding the Assembly’s first Asian Caucus in 2025.
Sources
Wisconsin Public Radio, Francesca Hong has defined Wisconsin’s Democratic primary for governor,
https://www.wpr.org/news/francesca-hong-democratic-primary-campaign-governor-2026
Wisconsin State Legislature, Representative Francesca Hong,
https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/legislators/assembly/2738
BallotReady, Francesca Hong,
https://www.ballotready.org/people/francesca-hong