The GOP’s Unorthodox Strategy in Wisconsin Governor Race
A recent $2.2 million television advertisement campaign by the Republican Governors Association is raising eyebrows in Wisconsin’s political circles. The ad targets Francesca Hong, a prominent democratic socialist and a gubernatorial candidate, branding her as “too liberal for Wisconsin” and advocating for a return to the state’s “progressive roots.”
The 30-second commercial critiques Hong for opposing former President Trump’s deportation policies and suggests she aims to prevent law enforcement from collaborating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. However, some Democrats argue that the Republican-funded ad might inadvertently bolster Hong’s standing among Democratic primary voters.
Democratic strategist Joe Zepecki, who remains neutral in the primary, suggests that the GOP’s intentions might be to elevate Hong as a formidable, yet beatable, opponent. “Tom Tiffany and his allies know they can’t defend their failed agenda that’s jacking up costs for Wisconsin families,” Zepecki stated. “Every Democratic campaign should call this out for what it is: a sneaky, underhanded, blatant attempt to meddle in the democratic process.”
Francesca Hong’s campaign appears unfazed by the advertisement. On social media, Hong expressed gratitude towards the RGA for bringing attention to her legislative initiatives, including the Keep Families Together package. “Here in Wisconsin, we take care of our neighbors,” she affirmed.
According to RGA communications director Kollin Crompton, the ad seeks to inform voters about Hong’s “dangerously liberal” record. “It’s time that Wisconsin voters start to learn just how dangerously liberal Democrat frontrunner Francesca Hong truly is,” Crompton noted.
Some of Hong’s Democratic competitors, like Joel Brennan, have urged voters to dismiss the ad’s messaging. Brennan, formerly with Gov. Tony Evers’ administration, indicated that Republicans believe they can defeat Hong due to her “extreme positions on defunding police, abolishing prisons and other views out of step with mainstream Wisconsin values.”
The campaign of former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes echoed similar concerns. “Republicans appear to agree,” stated Barnes’ campaign. “The 30-second ad … criticizes Ms. Hong for being too liberal, in what appears to be a counterintuitive strategy to grow her appeal among Democratic primary voters.”
The Democratic primary field also includes Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez and state Sen. Kelda Roys, with the election set for August 11. Polls show Hong and Barnes leading, while Rodriguez has seen her campaign falter due to financial issues. Barnes has reportedly raised the most funds in the first half of 2026.
The dynamics of Hong’s campaign reflect a broader trend of rising support for democratic socialists and candidates of color in Democratic primaries across the nation. A Gallup poll from 2010 showed only 50% of Democrats viewed socialism favorably, but by last year that number had increased to 66%, coinciding with electoral victories by figures like New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson.
Allison Geyer, spokesperson for Hong, suggests that the GOP’s strategy might backfire. “If the Republican Governors Association wants to spend $2 million introducing Wisconsin voters to our platform of permanent affordability, standing up to the Trump administration and doing the right thing for our immigrant neighbors, all we can say is ‘thank you,’” Geyer commented.
