Francesca Hong Biography
Francesca Hong is an American politician, chef, community organizer, and former restaurant owner from Madison, Wisconsin. She was born on November 4, 1988, in Madison, Wisconsin. Her parents immigrated to the United States from South Korea.
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Hong attended Madison West High School, where she graduated in 2007. She later attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, studying Spanish and journalism. However, she left college to pursue a career in the restaurant industry.
Her culinary career began with entry-level restaurant work. She eventually became an executive chef at 43 North Restaurant in Madison. In 2016, Hong and her then-husband, Matt Morris, opened Morris Ramen. The restaurant operated for seven years before closing in February 2024.
Meanwhile, Hong became increasingly involved in community organizing and workers’ rights. She also helped establish the Culinary Ladies Collective in 2016. Her restaurant experience later influenced her approach to politics and economic issues.
In 2020, voters elected Hong to the Wisconsin State Assembly. She represents the 76th Assembly District, covering parts of Madison. She became the first Asian American elected to Wisconsin’s Legislature. Hong launched her campaign for Wisconsin governor in 2026.
She currently presents herself as a progressive Democrat and democratic socialist. Her campaign focuses on working families, childcare, education, healthcare, housing, and economic fairness. As of August 11, 2026, Hong has gained national attention in the Democratic gubernatorial primary.
Recent reporting identifies her as a leading candidate against David Crowley. Therefore, Francesca Hong’s biography reflects a unique journey from chef and restaurant owner to state legislator and gubernatorial candidate.
Francesca Hong Age: How Old Is Francesca Hong?
Francesca Hong is 37 years old as of August 2026. She was born on November 4, 1988, in Madison, Wisconsin. Hong is a Democratic politician, chef, and community organizer. She has represented Wisconsin’s 76th Assembly District since 2021. Additionally, she became the first Asian American elected to the Wisconsin Legislature. She is also running for Wisconsin governor in the 2026 election. Her campaign focuses on working families, healthcare, education, housing, and economic opportunity.
Francesca Hong Height: How Tall Is Francesca Hong?
Francesca Hong’s height is not publicly confirmed. Hong is a Wisconsin politician, chef, and community organizer. She currently campaigns for Wisconsin governor in the 2026 election. Additionally, she represents the state’s 76th Assembly District. Her public profile focuses more on her political career than physical details.
Francesca Hong Husband: Is Francesca Hong married?
Francesca Hong was previously married to Matt Morris, a chef and restaurant owner. The couple opened Morris Ramen in Madison, Wisconsin, in 2016 while building their careers in the restaurant industry. They also welcomed their first son that year. Hong currently identifies herself as a single mother on her gubernatorial campaign website. Morris Ramen eventually closed in February 2024. Therefore, Francesca Hong does not currently have a husband, based on available public information.
Francesca Hong Children
Francesca Hong has one child. Hong and her former husband, Matt Morris, share parenting responsibilities. The couple also built their restaurant business while raising their child in Madison, Wisconsin. Hong has discussed balancing motherhood, restaurant work, and public service throughout her career. Following her divorce, she has continued raising her son as a single mother. She generally keeps her child’s personal details private. Therefore, information about her son’s name, age, and other personal details remains limited. Hong currently lives with her son in Madison, Wisconsin.
Francesca Hong Parents & Family
Francesca Hong is the daughter of Korean immigrants who moved to Wisconsin during the late 1980s. She grew up in Madison, Wisconsin, where her parents pursued educational opportunities. Her father works as a sociologist and researcher at the Waisman Center. Meanwhile, her mother works as a music teacher. Hong has credited her family and community with shaping her political interests. Additionally, she joined protests with her mother during her childhood. Her parents’ immigrant experience also influenced her views on education, workers’ rights, and community organizing. Today, Hong often highlights her Korean American heritage during her political career.
Francesca Hong Ethnicity
Francesca Hong is Korean American. She was born and raised in Madison, Wisconsin, to parents who immigrated from South Korea. Therefore, her ethnic background reflects both Korean heritage and American upbringing. Hong has openly embraced her Korean American identity throughout her political career. She became Wisconsin’s first Asian American state legislator after winning election in 2020. Additionally, she has highlighted immigrant experiences and Asian American representation in Wisconsin. Her background remains an important part of her public identity and political journey. She also advocates greater visibility for Asian American communities.
Francesca Hong Education & Academic Background
Francesca Hong attended Madison West High School, graduating in 2007. She later enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she studied Spanish and journalism. However, Hong left college in 2009 to pursue her passion for the restaurant industry. She began working in kitchens and gained experience as a line cook and sous chef. Eventually, she became an executive chef in Madison. Her education and culinary experience helped shape her career in community organizing and politics. Hong serves in the Wisconsin State Assembly and campaigns for governor.
Francesca Hong Political Party (DSA)
Francesca Hong is a member of the Democratic Party. She represents Wisconsin’s 76th Assembly District in the state legislature. Hong won her first Assembly election in 2020 and took office in 2021. She also identifies politically as a democratic socialist and belongs to the Democratic Socialists of America. Additionally, she serves among the Wisconsin Legislature’s progressive voices. In 2026, Hong is seeking the Democratic nomination for Wisconsin governor. Her platform emphasizes working families, universal childcare, healthcare, education, and stronger labor protections. Therefore, her politics combine Democratic Party membership with democratic socialist views.
Francesca Hong Governor Race: 2026 Wisconsin Election
Francesca Hong is running for Wisconsin governor in the 2026 election. She launched her campaign in September 2025 after Governor Tony Evers declined another term. Hong entered the Democratic primary as a progressive and democratic socialist candidate. As of August 11, 2026, she faces David Crowley, Joel Brennan, and Kelda Roys. Recent polling has placed Hong among the leading Democratic candidates. Meanwhile, her campaign emphasizes universal childcare, public education, healthcare, workers’ rights, and affordable housing. The Wisconsin Democratic primary takes place on August 11, 2026. Therefore, Hong’s performance could shape Wisconsin’s general election.
Francesca Hong Campaign & Policies
Francesca Hong launched her 2026 Wisconsin governor campaign as a progressive Democratic candidate. She identifies as a democratic socialist and emphasizes grassroots organizing. Her campaign focuses on working families, public services, and economic fairness. Hong supports universal childcare, fully funded public schools, and universal paid leave. She also backs a $20 minimum wage tied to Wisconsin’s cost of living. Additionally, she supports affordable healthcare and stronger protections for workers.
Her platform calls for common-sense gun laws and greater investment in communities. Hong also supports a moratorium on new AI data centers. She wants stronger environmental protections and public oversight of major developments. Furthermore, Hong proposes a state-owned public bank to support small businesses and farms. Her campaign rejects corporate PAC donations and emphasizes working-class political power.
Francesca Hong Polls
Francesca Hong leads the Democratic primary polls in Wisconsin’s 2026 governor race. Recent polling gives Hong about 38% support among Democratic voters. David Crowley trails her, while many voters remain undecided. Therefore, the race remains competitive despite Hong’s polling advantage. Her strong position reflects growing support among progressive and younger Democratic voters. However, Crowley has gained momentum after receiving Governor Tony Evers’ endorsement. Meanwhile, polling shows that Wisconsin Democrats remain divided over the party’s direction. The Democratic primary takes place on August 11, 2026. Hong’s polling lead makes her a strong contender for the Democratic nomination.
Francesca Hong Previous Campaign
Francesca Hong launched her first major political campaign in 2020, seeking Wisconsin’s 76th Assembly District seat. She entered the race after incumbent Chris Taylor announced her retirement. Hong ran a progressive campaign focused on workers’ rights, unions, and economic justice. She also highlighted her experience as a chef and restaurant owner. During the Democratic primary, Hong faced six opponents and won with 28% of the vote. She later defeated Republican Patrick Hull in the general election by a wide margin. Furthermore, Hong won reelection unopposed in 2022 and 2024. She later launched her 2026 Wisconsin governor campaign in September 2025.
Francesca Hong Thanksgiving Controversy
Francesca Hong faced controversy over her past comments about Thanksgiving during her 2026 Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign. In 2020, Hong criticized Thanksgiving and called for canceling the holiday. She connected the celebration with colonialism and described Thanksgiving as a pandemic-era superspreader event. However, Hong has since said that her views can evolve. During a recent interview, she discussed Thanksgiving’s painful history for some communities. She also highlighted her personal connection to the holiday through her career as a chef. Later, Hong described Thanksgiving as her favorite holiday.
Francesca Hong Net Worth
Francesca Hong’s net worth remains undisclosed as of 2026. No reliable information provides a verified estimate of her personal wealth. However, her finances include income from her career as a Wisconsin State Assembly representative and her previous work as a chef and restaurant owner. Hong served as a co-owner of Morris Ramen before the restaurant closed in 2024. She also continues to pursue public office while running for Wisconsin governor in 2026.
