Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., said he does not believe he will endorse Francesca Hong, a Democratic socialist candidate running for governor in Wisconsin. Sanders made the remarks on the podcast "Pod Save America," stating he was "just not that familiar" with the race.
"I met Francesca a couple of years ago, I was in Wisconsin, and she seems very, very nice, but again this is a race I’m just not that familiar with," Sanders told host Jon Favreau. He added that his campaign "has not gotten involved in many governors races," citing a recent endorsement of Democrat Troy Jackson in Maine.
Sanders' decision not to endorse Hong, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), quickly drew criticism and mockery on social media. Commentators suggested his lack of endorsement indicated a belief that Hong could not win, particularly in contrast to his past support for other candidates with controversial backgrounds.
"Bernie says he’s not backing Francesca Hong because he’s focused on the Senate," wrote Chuck Ross, a reporter for The Washington Free Beacon, on X. "Yet he’s endorsed in mayoral races, House races, and Troy Jackson’s failed governor race in Maine. That’s how whacky Hong is."
Politico reporter Will Steakin commented, "Says a lot."
Critics pointed to Sanders' endorsement of a Maine Senate candidate with a resurfaced Reddit post containing Nazi imagery, contrasting it with his hesitation to back Hong. Jerry Ponio, legislative director for Americans for Prosperity - Wisconsin, posted on X, "This guy endorsed a guy with a natzi [sic] tat but thinks @FrancescaHongWi is not worth an endorsement…… Yikes."
Francesca Hong, currently a member of the state legislature, is considered the frontrunner in the upcoming gubernatorial primary. Polls suggest she is likely to win the Democratic nomination and advance to face Republican Tom Tiffany in the general election. Tiffany's campaign posted on X, "Well, I guess even Bernie enjoys celebrating Thanksgiving at one of his three houses," referencing a controversial past statement by Hong suggesting the cancellation of Thanksgiving.
Commentators have questioned Hong's electability in a swing state like Wisconsin, citing her progressive stances, which have included advocating for the abolition of the U.S. Senate and defunding the police. Hong has reportedly attempted to moderate these positions in recent interviews leading up to the primary.