government
A democratic socialist in Wisconsin tests how far left voters want to go in a battleground state
By Scott Bauer, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· July 9, 2026
· 6 min read
Over the last month, Democratic socialists have notched victories in the liberal strongholds of New York City, Washington, D.C., and Denver. Now Francesca Hong, a single mother who has worked as a dishwasher and line cook, is trying to do the same with her campaign for governor in Wisconsin, a sw...
Key takeaway “We do this in Wisconsin, we’re going to change politics across the country,” the 37-year-old Hong said as she headed into the final month of campaigning.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
The outcome of Wisconsin's gubernatorial race may have implications for San Antonio , as the city's own efforts to address issues like policing and economic inequality could be influenced by the national conversation. If Francesca Hong's campaign is successful, it could embolden local progressive groups to push for similar policies, such as increasing taxes on the wealthy or exploring alternative public safety models. San Antonio's own city council has already taken steps to address policing and public safety, and a shift in the national discourse could lead to further reforms. Additionally, the emphasis on issues like free healthcare and childcare could resonate with San Antonio's own large population of low-income families, potentially leading to renewed calls for action at the local level. As the race in Wisconsin heats up, San Antonio residents may be watching closely to see how the debate over progressive policies plays out in a key battleground state.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: government ·
Published: July 9, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 6 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Over the last month, Democratic socialists have notched victories in the liberal strongholds of New York City, Washington, D.C., and Denver. Now Francesca Hong, a single mother who has worked as a dishwasher and line cook, is trying to do the same with her campaign for governor in Wisconsin, a sw...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 9, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Scott Bauer, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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