In Wisconsin’s competitive gubernatorial race, Democratic state representative Francesca Hong is testing the appeal of democratic socialism in a state that President Donald Trump won in 2024. Ms. Hong, 37, who has a background as a restaurant owner and chef, has risen to prominence by championing causes such as a one-year moratorium on data center construction, free health care, and wealth tax proposals. Her campaign emphasizes economic struggles faced by working-class Wisconsinites, framing her run as a fight against corporate influence and inequality.

Ms. Hong’s stance against data centers, which have become a contentious issue in Wisconsin, resonates with a cross-section of voters. Plans for a large data center near Wisconsin Rapids have raised environmental concerns, particularly about water use and pollution, prompting opposition from some Republican voters as well as Democrats. While proponents argue data centers bring construction jobs and economic revitalization to areas hurt by manufacturing declines, a majority of Wisconsin residents—including a majority of Republicans—believe the costs outweigh the benefits.

This issue has helped Ms. Hong draw support beyond the traditional Democratic base, even from some conservative voters wary of data centers’ impact. Jeff Hanneman, a Republican in Wisconsin Rapids, for instance, has publicly backed Ms. Hong due to her opposition to the project despite his usual party affiliation. Similarly, independent voters in the region have expressed a willingness to overlook her socialist label because of her positions on local economic concerns.

However, doubts persist within the Democratic Party about Ms. Hong’s viability in the general election. Critics argue that her identification as a democratic socialist could alienate moderate and conservative voters in a politically mixed state like Wisconsin. Some Democrats worry that Republicans will use her past controversial statements—such as old social media posts advocating for police abolition—to mobilize opposition and potentially hand the governorship to the GOP. Former Democratic state party chairman Joe Wineke cautioned that “this is not the year to test a democratic socialist” in Wisconsin.

Ms. Hong’s campaign acknowledges the stigma attached to socialism and seeks to reframe the narrative by focusing on popular progressive policies. Supporters claim that when progressive ideas are presented individually, they receive broad approval, but the socialist label triggers resistance. Despite this, Ms. Hong’s working-class roots, immigrant background, and direct engagement with voters in rural and conservative areas illustrate an effort to bridge cultural and political divides. At a local festival in Hayward, she engaged voters across the political spectrum on issues like mental health and education, earning some conservatives’ respect even if they remain uncertain about her politics.

Ms. Hong faces competition in the Democratic primary from other candidates such as former Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes and current Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez, who emphasize progressive goals while presenting themselves as more moderate and electable. Both have expressed openness to regulating data centers but differ from Ms. Hong’s call for a full moratorium.

Wisconsin’s broader political landscape remains divided. Historically a swing state, it has alternated between conservative and progressive leadership. Democrats hope to continue their influence after Governor Tony Evers’ departure, but the choice of nominee will be critical in a race that could determine the balance of power in the state Legislature. Republican leaders have suggested that a primary victory for Ms. Hong could improve their chances of winning the governorship.

As the gubernatorial contest unfolds, Ms. Hong’s campaign represents a broader national trend of progressive candidates challenging traditional party norms, particularly in states with mixed political allegiances. Whether her message can overcome skepticism about socialism and prevail in Wisconsin’s general election remains a key question for Democrats and Republicans alike.