Francesca Hong’s Journey from Restaurateur to Wisconsin Politics

From Ramen Shop to Political Ambitions

Francesca Hong’s political journey in Wisconsin began at a ramen shop in downtown Madison. In December 2016, Hong and her then-husband, chef Matt Morris, launched Morris Ramen with restaurateur Shinji Muramoto. This restaurant became a staple in Madison’s dining scene as Hong and Morris managed both their business and their family life until the restaurant closed in February 2024. Though divorced, they remained partners in marriage and business for years.

Matt Morris: A Crucial Influence

Matt Morris developed his career in Madison’s Japanese dining scene, beginning at Restaurant Muramoto under Shinji Muramoto’s mentorship. Having spent months working in a ramen shop in Japan, Morris returned to Madison with the vision to create his own restaurant. He and his father constructed Morris Ramen, named in his honor, on the site of a former sushi restaurant.

Morris and Hong shared not just business interests but a similar background. Both were born and raised in Madison, had parents who were educators, and left college before completing their studies. Their partnership extended into their work and personal lives, even as the marriage ended.

Establishing Morris Ramen

Hong and Morris met in Madison’s restaurant scene, where Morris worked as a sous chef at Muramoto. Hong, after holding the position of executive chef at the American bistro 43 North, returned to work alongside Morris at Muramoto. They married in 2012 and had a son in 2016. Following her last shift at Muramoto, Hong gave birth five hours later.

Later that year, Morris Ramen opened, and Hong described their early struggles to stabilize the business, working up to 15-hour days. Their first years succeeded due to a simple menu and close attention to staff, while raising their son together. Eventually, their marriage ended, but Hong maintains the restaurant contributed to their personal challenges, consuming much of their time. Despite this, they functioned as a team.

Political Impact of Restaurant Closure

The closure of Morris Ramen became integral to Hong’s political story. The dining space shuttered under Wisconsin’s stay-at-home order, but Hong used the opportunity to address broader issues. She advocated for restaurant workers’ rights and sought rent assistance and favorable loans, realizing her potential in politics.

After being encouraged to run for office, Hong transformed her advocacy into a successful campaign. She won the election for Wisconsin’s 76th Assembly District, becoming the first Asian American elected to the state Legislature. Her policy work focuses on sustainable restaurant worker careers, illustrated by her efforts to abolish Wisconsin’s tipped minimum wage.

Hong’s Political Platform and Candidacy

Francesca Hong has entered the Democratic primary for governor as a leading candidate. Her platform is built on “permanent affordability,” advocating free childcare, fully funding public schools, higher taxes on the wealthy and corporations, and halting construction of new data centers. Although faced with critique for past social media posts and connections to the Democratic Socialists of America, she emphasizes her dedication to pressing economic and social issues over these concerns.

Her electability in Wisconsin’s politically divided climate is debated, as her record is contrasted against Republican opponent Tom Tiffany. Former Obama adviser David Axelrod has highlighted potential risks to Democratic electoral strategy. Nonetheless, Hong argues focusing on practical issues like living costs and education appeal to voters.

Electoral Support and Poll Performance

Wisconsin has narrowly decided its previous presidential elections, a testament to its polarized electorate. However, recent polls show Hong leading among Democratic voters. Her support is particularly strong among younger and progressive voters, indicating significant appeal in progressive circles.

Polling shows her ahead of other primary candidates, with younger audiences and those supportive of democratic socialism constituting the bulk of her backing. This exemplifies a shift towards younger, progressive voters as key contributors to her campaign.