The upcoming Democratic primary in Wisconsin is marked by a high-stakes contest between establishment candidates and Francesca Hong, a Democratic Socialists of America (DSA)-backed candidate. Former Governor Scott Walker and Harris Faulkner have analyzed Hong’s progressive policies, which include her contentious suggestion to ‘cancel Thanksgiving’ and her influence on the political landscape.
Hong, seeking the Democratic nomination for governor, has a track record of making inflammatory online statements. As revealed, she described America as “an abundance of suffering” in a post on January 20, 2022. She expressed a vision for transforming the country into “a wealth of opportunity” by ensuring equal rights for Black and Brown individuals and electing more leaders from these communities.
Hong’s candidacy has drawn attention, especially due to past social media posts that critique American traditions and institutions. In a deleted post, she argued for the cancellation of Thanksgiving, associating the holiday with colonialism and the negative impact on indigenous people. Her provocative views have positioned her as a prominent figure among socialists aspiring for political office this cycle.
Beyond her broader social and political commentary, Hong’s posts have often centered on her experiences as a Korean American. In a 2019 post, she expressed anxiety in predominantly White environments, highlighting racial tensions. Additionally, following the non-prosecution of the police involved in the Jacob Blake shooting, Hong advocated for defunding the police and prison abolition, as she believes these institutions uphold systemic racism.
“Rep. Hong has spoken about police and prison abolition as an aspirational goal,” a spokesperson remarked. “Her values remain, but her approach to discussing this has evolved.”
Hong acknowledges the limitations of gubernatorial power in directly defunding police but maintains her critical stance on systemic issues. Despite scrutiny, she remains undeterred, noting her collegiate aspirations in sports journalism taught her valuable lessons about public expression.
Amidst these dynamics, Hong is focusing on issues she believes resonate with voters. While her campaign has chosen to remain silent on the latest revelations, her journey illustrates the broader tensions within the Democratic Party, particularly with regard to progressive and socialist ideals.