Francesca Hong might be the first-ever socialist governor. How would she govern?
Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate Francesca Hong is proposing a moratorium on hyperscale AI data centers if elected. She cites community concerns over rising utility bills, natural resource impact, and lack of local control over developers. Her plan aims to establish statewide enforcement mechanisms and empower local communities in negotiations.
Francesca Hong, a 37-year-old former chef and current state assembly member, is running for governor of Wisconsin. If elected, she would be the first socialist governor in U.S. history. Hong is advocating for a number of progressive proposals, including fully funding public education, increasing funding for local governments, and implementing stricter regulations on corporate control.
A key part of Hong's platform is a proposed moratorium on the construction of hyperscale AI data centers within her first 100 days in office. She highlighted concerns from communities across Wisconsin, including Wisconsin Rapids, Menominee, Beloit, and Janesville, regarding potential increases in utility bills, the perceived sale of natural resources, and a lack of local control over large tech developers. Hong argues that the moratorium is a "practical and responsible" measure given the rapid proliferation of data center proposals and the limited resources of local governments to manage them effectively.
Hong emphasized that the goal is not a permanent halt to data center development but rather to establish strong statewide enforcement mechanisms to protect natural resources and ratepayers, while empowering local communities with robust negotiation tools. She warned against repeating past mistakes, referencing the "Foxconn" deal, and stressed the need for long-term investment in local economies with accountability for developers. The primary election is scheduled for August 11, with Hong facing former lieutenant governor Mandela Barnes and current lieutenant governor Sara Rodriguez as leading contenders. Republicans are reportedly hoping to face Hong in the general election, with a GOP-tied Super PAC spending $2 million on ads featuring her before the primary.