politics
The most dangerous socialists aren’t in DC
Francesca Hong didn’t win Wisconsin’s Democratic primary for governor. But her near-win should still worry Americans: Democratic Socialists of America candidates are now within striking distance of controlling one of the most powerful offices in state government.
TL;DR
- Francesca Hong's close race in Wisconsin's Democratic primary for governor indicates DSA candidates are nearing control of significant state offices.
- Governors hold substantial power over state agencies and policy, impacting education, healthcare, business regulation, and public safety.
- Wisconsin's governor has partial veto power, allowing them to alter budgets by striking single words, letters, or numbers.
- Abdul el Sayed, a Democratic Senate nominee in Michigan, espouses similar policies to Hong, though a governor's direct impact is potentially greater than a single member of Congress.
- State-level governments are actively shaping policies on issues like education, energy, taxes, and labor laws.
- Hong had pledged to repeal right-to-work laws and Act 10, demonstrating the tangible policy shifts possible under a DSA-aligned governor.
- Americans should pay close attention to statehouse races, as significant policy battles and reforms are occurring at the state and local levels, not just in Washington D.C.