Francesca Hong’s Past Comments Stir Debate in Wisconsin’s Political Arena
As the Wisconsin Democratic primary race heats up, attention is drawn to Madison State Representative Francesca Hong’s previous social media activity. Known for her bold online presence, Hong has recently distanced herself from controversial posts, including a call to “Cancel Thanksgiving.”
Hong, a democratic socialist and a leading contender for governor, has been a vocal figure on the platform known as X. Her past posts, which have resurfaced through conservative outlets, have sparked discussions. These include her statements supporting the defunding of police and the abolition of ICE.
The “Cancel Thanksgiving” post from November 2020, made shortly after her election to the State Assembly, has been a focal point. Hong stated, “Should have done this in 1621,” reflecting on the colonial history and its impact on Indigenous communities, calling it “the original superspreader event.”
The post has garnered reactions from political opponents, including Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, who responded with a social media post featuring a turkey drawing captioned “COME AND TAKE IT.”
Hong’s stance on Thanksgiving has evolved, as seen in a CNN interview where she acknowledged the holiday’s significance in fostering community but also recognized its painful history for many. Later, she told Politico that Thanksgiving is her “favorite holiday,” stating, “I don’t want to cancel it. I actually love it.”
Similarly, Hong has adjusted her earlier positions on law enforcement and governance. During a Democratic primary debate, she clarified that she does not advocate for the defunding of police or the abolition of prisons and the Senate, differentiating between aspirational goals and practical governance.
Despite these clarifications, Hong’s past comments remain a talking point, with her critics, including Gov. Tony Evers, emphasizing her focus on social media controversies rather than pressing voter issues. In a recent interview, Evers commented on the complexity of Hong’s position, noting her mixed statements on Thanksgiving.
Nonetheless, Hong’s popularity among primary voters is evident, with a Marquette University Law School poll showing her leading with 38% support. The poll results have sparked debate on the Republican strategy of attacking her pre-primary.
Political analyst Mordecai Lee suggests that such attacks might be counterproductive if Republicans view Hong as a more beatable opponent than her rivals. He references a recent Michigan primary where polling did not accurately predict the outcome, hinting at potential surprises in the Wisconsin race.
As the primary approaches, Wisconsin’s role as a battleground state remains prominent, with Hong’s candidacy testing the viability of democratic socialism in a swing state, drawing national attention to the region’s political dynamics.
