America’s Most Divided State Loves Its Extremes
Wisconsin has been the nation's most closely divided state for a quarter century. Democratic candidate Francesca Hong is running on an expansive platform that includes creating a public bank and public grocery stores, and providing universal child care and free school lun…
Intelligence analysis by Llama
Wisconsin's Democratic primary is heating up as Francesca Hong, a socialist from Madison, gains momentum with her progressive platform. Despite the state's history of moderation, Hong's campaign has shot out ahead of more experienced rivals.
Wisconsin is a very divided state, and a young woman named Francesca Hong is running for governor with a big plan to help people. She wants to create public banks and grocery stores, and make sure everyone has access to good food and healthcare.
Analysis
A $60B Vote of Confidence
Wisconsin has been the nation's most closely divided state for a quarter century. Since 2000, only one presidential candidate—Barack Obama, twice—has carried the state by more than a single percentage point. But despite its status as a battleground, America's Dairyland has never been a bastion of milquetoast moderation. Wisconsin has produced both a father of progressivism, Robert La Follette, and the red-baiting conservative Joseph McCarthy. More recently, its voters have backed the liberal stalwarts Russ Feingold and Tammy Baldwin as well as the right-wing Republicans Scott Walker and Ron Johnson.
Why Cursor?
Francesca Hong is keenly aware of this history. Indeed, she's relying on it as she tries to persuade Democratic voters to trust her with the party's nomination for governor later this month.
Key points
- Wisconsin has been the nation's most closely divided state for a quarter century.
- Francesca Hong is running for governor with a progressive platform that includes creating public banks and grocery stores.
- Hong's campaign has gained momentum, but some Democrats are worried about her electability.
- The outcome of this election could have ripple effects in Washington.
If Francesca Hong wins the Democratic nomination, she could become the first socialist governor in Wisconsin's history. This could be a big step forward for progressive policies in the state, and potentially even have ripple effects in Washington.
However, some Democrats are worried that nominating a socialist like Hong could be a risk, especially in a state that Trump carried in 2024. This could lead to a Republican governor and continued GOP dominance in the state legislature.
