Tipsheet

Francesca Hong Wants to Control Wisconsin's Budget, but Can't Seem to Manage Her Own Finances

Amy Curtis
Amy Curtis  |  June 03, 2026 8:00 AM

Here's another story of a socialist Democrat who doesn't understand how budgeting and spending work. Francesca Hong wants to be the next Governor of Wisconsin, but it turns out Hong was just sued for more than $30,000 in credit card debt.

The suit was filed in Dane County Court by Capital One on May 26.

Here's more from the Wisconsin Examiner:

Wisconsin State Rep. Francesca Hong (D-Madison), one of the leading candidates in the Democratic primary for governor, is being sued by Capital One Bank over nearly $30,000 in credit card debt, court records show. 

The lawsuit was filed May 26 in Dane County Circuit Court by the bank due to Hong “failing to make the minimum payment” on her Discover credit card — which the records show she’s had since September of 2011. The suit alleges breach of contract and account stated, meaning Hong was notified of the total balance due of $29,344.48 and did not object. 

Hong’s campaign manager Becky Cooper said in a statement that the campaign “will have a letter shortly confirming this debt is paid in full.” 

Since she entered the race last year, Hong, a member of the Legislature’s Socialist Caucus, has emerged as a surprise contender. With two and half months until the Aug. 11 primary, she’s been leading or at the top of a number of polls, picking up early support and energy through an active social media campaign and non-traditional events across the state.

That's bad enough, of course, but that credit card debt, which Hong had amassed since 2011, was magically paid off the moment the negative story came to light.

Like all socialists, someone else is paying Hong's bills. That's why they think socialism works. It technically can, until you run out of other people's money.

But there's more. There are also allegations of a possible conflict of interest between Hong and the judge presiding over her debt case.

Judge Benjamin Jones is overseeing Hong's case. In her endorsement, Hong said, "[Judge Jones] built his career by protecting our kids and schools from federal overreach, and understands the balance needed to keep folks safe in our community as Circuit Court judge — including protecting our Constitutional rights and championing engagement in our communities."

No, she does not. Then again, she's a socialist, so that's on-brand. 

They're always terrible with money. Especially taxpayer money.

Those are questions reporters should ask. They won't, however.