Wisconsin's 2026
Gubernatorial Primary
Francesca Hong
DEMOCRAT
Madison Assembly representative since 2021 and Wisconsin’s first Asian American legislator; a chef and former restaurant owner, and one of the chamber’s Democratic Socialists.
Platform calls for a $20 minimum wage, universal childcare, free school lunches, and phasing out vouchers.
Candidate Education Positioning
Parental Choice (Vouchers)
Fully end vouchers statewide, incl. special-needs; “responsible transition away”
Funding Formula Reform
Shift property-tax reliance to income tax on high earners; ~44% property tax cut
Public Charter Schools
Supports limiting charters; add union member to UW Regents
MPS Reform
Not specifically stated
Charter Authorizing
Districts only
Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (FSTC)
Open
Special Ed Funding
90% special-ed reimbursement at sum-sufficient levels
Surplus Deal
Not a supporter
What is the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (FSTC) program?
A scholarship tax credit encourages people and businesses to donate to nonprofit Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs), which use those donations to provide scholarships that help eligible families afford the school that best fits their child. Donors receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit for their contribution. The new federal scholarship tax credit (FSTC) expands this approach nationwide — but each state's governor decides whether to opt in, making it a key issue in Wisconsin's 2026 race. For CFC, it represents a way to expand access and put high-quality school options within reach of more Milwaukee families, regardless of income.
Where Candidates Stand on the Future of Education Programs
We sort candidates by what they would actually do to the Parental Choice Program, public charter schools, and the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit — from expanding access to phasing programs out. Evaluations are made through the lens of whether a candidate supports all Milwaukee students and all schools across sectors.
Private School/Parental Choice Program
Eliminate / phase out
Would end or phase out the program, all at once or over time.
Public Charter Schools
Reduce authorizers (district-only)
Limit charter authorizing to school districts only — would threaten independent public charters.
Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (FSTC)
Open
Supports expanding resources for families but wants to review final program guidelines before committing.
Methodology — How We Assess Positions
Disclaimer: CFC Action Fund is a 501(c)(4); this page reflects stated public positions, not endorsements