"We must prioritize racial equity and work to invest in communities that have been defunded and decimated"

Wisconsin state has elected its first Asian American representative according to Madison 365.

Restaurateur and activist Francesca Hong won the 76th Assembly District yesterday.

Hong is a second-generation Chinese American mother from Wisconsin who works in the service industry.

She defeated Republican candidate Patrick Hull 77% to 12%, winning the seat that was previously held by state Rep. Chris Taylor.

“We are meeting this moment by showing up and showing out in record numbers. Communities historically left out of the process are engaged by grassroots organizations and are redefining what democracy looks like,” Hong told Madison365.

The outcome of the election has not yet been determined. At the time writing, Biden is ahead of Trump with 264 electoral votes to 214. However, Nevada, North Carolina, Georgia and Pennsylvania are yet to declare their results.

“Voices are still filling the streets and amplifying the conversations to protect opportunities for justice when it comes to reinvesting in community safety and defunding state-sanctioned violence,” Hong continued.

“We are all grieving the state of this world and simultaneously holding opportunities for change because there is hope in our collective action and voices.”

“We must strive to help working-class individuals and families to improve conditions in mental health, housing, public education, climate justice and wealth building. We must invest in our main streets, taking the lead from independent small business owners, to work towards more equitable economic infrastructure,” she added.

“But above all, we must prioritize racial equity and work to invest in communities that have been defunded and decimated by irresponsible and apathetic GOP leadership.”

In related news, “Chinese food near me” was trending on Google during election night.

 

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I announced my candidacy on Mother’s Day with both fear and determination. Now that election day is here, I can still deeply feel those two emotions, but with one very noticeable addition, hope. During these absurd times and on this wild journey of a campaign I’ve come to truly appreciate the coexistence of multiple emotional states and how communities can show immense resilience in times of grieving. We, collectively, are meeting this moment by showing up and showing out in record numbers. Communities historically left out of the process are engaged by grassroots organizations and are redefining what democracy looks like. Voices are still filling the streets and amplifying the conversations about how to protect opportunities for justice when it comes to reinvesting in community safety and defunding state sanctioned violence. We are all grieving the state of this world and simultaneously holding opportunities for change because there is hope in our collective action and voices. I am grateful beyond measure. The opportunity to represent the people of Wisconsin and the priorities of the working class not only bring me great joy, but great hope. Our prep list is long, but we are not alone in this. We must strive to help working class individuals and families to improve conditions in mental health, housing, public education, climate justice and wealth building. We must invest in our main streets, taking the lead from independent small business owners, to work towards more equitable economic infrastructure. But above all, we must prioritize racial equity and work to invest in communities that have been defunded and decimated by irresponsible and apathetic GOP leadership.

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