Francesca Hong, a Wisconsin state representative who emerged as an unlikely national figure in the Democratic Party’s gubernatorial primary race, said Tuesday that she was deeply proud to be part of the Korean community.
Speaking with Yonhap News Agency ahead of the state's election watch party Tuesday, Hong, whose Korean name is Hong Yun-jong, expressed her pride in being Korean American and in her community.
“I am so proud to be a Korean American, and I am also so proud to be a Korean living in Wisconsin,” she said.
Hong rolled up her sleeve to show three Mugunghwa, or rose of Sharon, blossoms tattooed on her forearm. The largest flower featured an outline of Wisconsin at its center. Mugunghwa is Korea’s national flower.
“It is the honor of my life to be able to run for governor of the state I love,” she said.
Hong, 38, was born in Madison to Korean immigrant parents and became the first Asian American elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly when she won her seat in 2020.
She had emerged as an unexpected force in a crowded Democratic field, building a grassroots campaign that drew national attention. She led in some polls before the primary, raising hopes among supporters that she could make history as the nation’s first Korean American governor.
During her campaign, she has described herself as the daughter of immigrants and made working-class issues a central theme of her campaign. Her platform included proposals such as universal childcare and measures to reduce the cost of living.
Hong ran against Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who was backed by Gov. Tony Evers and much of the Democratic establishment. Crowley ultimately won with 39.8 percent of the vote, narrowly edging Hong, who received 39.4 percent, according to preliminary results.
mjcha@heraldcorp.com