Our Wisconsin Revolution, the Bernie Sanders-affiliated progressive group, announced its endorsement of Democratic socialist state Rep. Francesca Hong for governor on May 18, shortly after Hong engaged with the organization’s environmental committee. Hong, a candidate in the 2026 Democratic primary, acknowledged the endorsement on social media, stating: “Honored to receive the endorsement from Our Wisconsin Revolution! Together we make better possible 💙.”
The endorsement highlights Hong’s alignment with Our Wisconsin Revolution’s ambitious platform, one that includes pushing single-payer “BadgerCare for All” healthcare, decarbonizing Wisconsin’s energy sector by 2030, treating housing as a “human right” with aggressive tenant protections, sanctuary-style limits on cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, implementing an firearms ban with stricter purchase limits and background checks, a $15-plus living wage with regional wage boards, creating a state-owned public bank, providing free college tuition, and applying an “equity lens” to all government decisions.
Critics from Wisconsin’s business, agricultural, and rural communities warn the agenda would deliver the opposite of “better” for everyday Badger State residents. Independent analyses, including those from the Mercatus Center and Competitive Enterprise Institute, estimate that single-payer healthcare alone could saddle Wisconsin taxpayers with an additional $30 billion in the first year. Nationally, similar plans have been projected to consume over 10 percent of GDP while triggering provider payment cuts that could lead to longer wait times and reduced access to care.
The group’s climate demands face even sharper pushback in a state powered by agriculture, manufacturing, and diverse energy sources. A Wisconsin-specific study estimated that decarbonizing by 2030 could cost the average household $75,000 in the first year and over $40,000 annually thereafter. Dairy farmers could face approximately $2.5 billion in new compliance costs, or about $2,000 per cow, with crop losses exceeding $200 million. Small businesses and manufacturers already squeezed by inflation and regulation would see higher energy prices and reliability risks, critics say.
Hong’s endorsement by the group follows her 2022 decision to withdraw from an Our Wisconsin Revolution convention, citing “despicable” personal attacks and “right-wing hits.” She has since reversed course, accepting the organization’s formal backing as she positions herself as an advocate for “working people” and as a single mother.
Our Wisconsin Revolution, a 501(c)(4) that grew out of Sanders’ 2016 campaign, describes itself as an independent social-justice organization working to create “a true democracy — with a government and an economy that are of, by, and for the people.” Its platform and recent activities, such as marches for Medicare for All and support for living-wage legislation, have attracted support from progressive groups while raising concerns among moderates and independents in a politically diverse state with strong Second Amendment traditions and a rural economy.
Additional far-left proposals from Our Wisconsin Revolution include limits on common hunting rifles, opposition to deporting certain undocumented immigrants, elements of mandatory unionization, and the 2030 decarbonization target, warning these measures could increase utility bills, raise gas prices, and impose additional restrictions on farms.
For Wisconsin families, farmers, and small-business owners already navigating high property taxes, workforce shortages, and Evers’ administration’s increase of regulatory burdens, the endorsement serves as a clear signal of the negative direction a Hong administration would take.
