Milfred and Hands talk with Democratic candidate for governor Francesca Hong about raising the minimum wage, instituting a wealth tax and smoking cigars with Republicans. Hong surprised many people by leading early polls for the Democratic nomination among a crowded field of candidates. But can a democratic socialist who represents the ultra-progressive Isthmus and East Side of Madison appeal to voters statewide in Wisconsin? Hong says she's exciting younger voters and others who want an outsider candidate. "They see me as the working-class person, the everyday person because I am," she says. "I don't think I'm better than anyone else." The restauranteur turned state Assemblywoman could win the party's nomination Aug. 11 with around 27% of the primary vote, she says. Milfred and Hands ask about her past statements about defunding police as well as her biggest accomplishment in the Legislature and top priority if elected to lead the state.
June 4th, 2026, 04:24 am
Center Stage, with Milfred and Hands
Francesca Hong wants to 'get sh-t done' as Wisconsin governor
00:00
48m
Published June 4th, 2026, 04:24 am
Description
Milfred and Hands talk with Democratic candidate for governor Francesca Hong about raising the minimum wage, instituting a wealth tax and smoking cigars with Republicans. Hong surprised many people by leading early polls for the Democratic nomination among a crowded field of candidates. But can a democratic socialist who represents the ultra-progressive Isthmus and East Side of Madison appeal to voters statewide in Wisconsin? Hong says she's exciting younger voters and others who want an outsider candidate. "They see me as the working-class person, the everyday person because I am," she says. "I don't think I'm better than anyone else." The restauranteur turned state Assemblywoman could win the party's nomination Aug. 11 with around 27% of the primary vote, she says. Milfred and Hands ask about her past statements about defunding police as well as her biggest accomplishment in the Legislature and top priority if elected to lead the state.
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Center Stage, with Milfred and Hands
They're the "Click and Clack" of Wisconsin politics. Scott Milfred, editorial page editor for the Wisconsin State Journal, and Phil Hands, the newspaper's political cartoonist, analyze the most important issues and debates from the Badger State with political independence and a sense of humor. Instead of tedious talking points from the left and the right, "Center Stage" broadcasts from the sensible center with audio clips from the Wisconsin Capitol, from State Journal editorial board meetings, and from political events across the state.
