Francesca Hong’s Political Journey and Challenges

Francesca Hong’s entry into Wisconsin politics has ties to her experience co-owning a ramen shop in downtown Madison. In December 2016, she and her then-husband, chef Matt Morris, along with restaurateur Shinji Muramoto, opened Morris Ramen. The restaurant became a staple in Madison’s culinary scene. Hong and Morris not only ran their business but also raised their son together.

Though the couple later divorced, they remained business partners until the restaurant’s closure in February 2024. Throughout those years, Hong began to forge a public identity which would lead her into the political arena. On Tuesday, she entered the Democratic primary for governor as the leading candidate.

Matt Morris: More Than a Business Partner

Matt Morris gained experience in Madison’s Japanese dining sector, working under Muramoto at Restaurant Muramoto. In a 2018 video interview with Isthmus, Morris mentioned making sushi for about ten years. He even spent time in Japan to learn more about ramen before returning to develop the idea for his own restaurant.

Morris and Hong were both raised in Madison and shared similar backgrounds, with both being the children of teachers who hadn’t completed their college education. Initially connected through their work in the restaurant scene, they married in 2012.

Hong and Morris: Married Life and Business

Meeting through the local restaurant industry, Hong and Morris tied the knot and later became business partners. Hong rose to become the executive chef at a young age, taking a brief hiatus from the industry before returning in 2015 where she and Morris began working together.

Their shared efforts led to opening Morris Ramen, where they invested long hours to stabilize the business. They raised their son alongside managing the restaurant. Despite the dedication, their marriage ended, partly due to the extensive hours consumed by their business commitments.

The Closure of Morris Ramen

Morris Ramen’s struggles eventually became integral to Hong’s political motivations. The restaurant had to shut its dining room in March 2020, adhering to Wisconsin’s stay-at-home order. This phase marked a turning point for Hong, who began advocating for restaurant worker rights and related social causes.

Her activism enabled her transition into politics. Encouraged by industry peers, she ran and won a seat in Wisconsin’s 76th Assembly District, becoming the first Asian American to achieve this in the state legislature. Following more than seven years of operation, Morris Ramen closed in February 2024 due to financial challenges.

Hong’s Political Challenges

Hong’s candidacy has brought scrutiny over her progressive record, raising questions about her ability to defeat Republican opponent Tom Tiffany. While Democratic Governor Tony Evers pledged neutrality, other party figures remain concerned about Hong’s electability based on her progressive stance.

Despite critics using past social media posts against her, Hong defines her platform as focusing on ‘permanent affordability,’ advocating for free childcare, public school funding, and measures to address socio-economic issues.

Position in the Democratic Primaries

Hong’s position in recent polls signifies strong support from Democratic primary voters, particularly younger voters. She led in consecutive Marquette University Law School polls, outpacing other Democratic contenders such as former Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes.

The upcoming general election presents significant challenges, as Wisconsin’s recent presidential elections have been tightly contested. Hong’s campaign hinges on addressing cost-of-living, education, and socio-economic issues, while aiming to broaden her appeal across varied voter demographics.

The election is scheduled for November 3, and how Hong manages these challenges will play a crucial role in her political future.