Madison restaurateur Francesa Hong has announced her campaign run to represent the 76th Assembly District in the Wisconsin State Assembly.

A local business owner, chef, and community organizer, Hong said in a press release that she is running to be a voice for everyday Madisonians who’ve “been let down by the failures of Republican leadership in the State Capitol.”  

“I’m running for office to represent those who are suffering the most from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. I will work to provide relief for workers affected by the pandemic, for immigrants who are at the highest risk, and for small businesses who are once again locked out of relief packages,” Hong said in a statement. “Inspired by my experience as a student in Madison’s public schools and by my mother, who was a public school teacher, I am committed to our public schools, our students, and our teachers. The ethics that have guided my past work will guide my work in politics. As a small business owner, I have prioritized employees’ and staff well being.

“As a community organizer, I founded an organization to provide support for women in foodservice – an industry that has notoriously discriminated against women,” she added. “I will bring this demonstrated energy and commitment to fairness, ethics, and positivity to my work in the Assembly.”

Current State Rep. Chris Taylor has announced that she will not run for re-election for her seat representing the 76th district.