The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) are focusing on Wisconsin, aiming to replicate recent electoral successes in federal, statewide, and local contests. However, their chosen candidate for governor, state Rep. Francesca Hong, is facing scrutiny over a history of controversial social media posts as she competes in the state's pivotal primary.

Hong is the frontrunner for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, leading opponent David Crowley, Milwaukee County's executive, by a significant margin in recent polls. Her potential success could add to the growing number of self-identified democratic socialists winning high-profile elections across the country, following victories by figures like New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and other DSA-aligned candidates.

Critics within the Democratic Party have pointed to Hong's past statements on policing, immigration, taxation, and even Thanksgiving as potential liabilities in the upcoming primary and general election. Former 2016 presidential nominee Hillary Clinton has recently commented that Republican messaging branding candidates as "communist, socialist" could prove effective in the approaching midterms.

Policing and Public Safety

In August 2020, during her campaign for the Wisconsin State Assembly, Hong posted on X (formerly Twitter), "I support defunding the police as a first step towards abolishing the police." She was responding at the time to the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha. Months later, in October 2020, she wrote, "Police exist to uphold white supremacy. Defund then abolish. Reform can’t be an option."

Confronted with these past statements on the "Pod Save America" podcast, Hong disavowed her anti-law enforcement positions. "My views have only become stronger in that I’m serious about public safety and I will not abolish the police," she stated. She emphasized a focus on addressing violent crime and providing law enforcement with necessary resources and training, while also ensuring accountability. Hong added that she has had numerous conversations with individuals affected by these issues, leading her to prioritize "sensible, practical solutions that will help keep communities safe."

Immigration Policy

Regarding immigration, Hong has previously expressed support for abolishing the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In a panel discussion earlier this year, she said, "Abolishing ICE is a meaningful policy if we want to keep each other safe." This stance has not changed as her profile has risen in the gubernatorial race. Her comments followed reports of ICE and Customs and Border Protection officer-involved shootings of U.S. citizens in Minneapolis.

Holiday Remarks

Hong has also sought to clarify her past remarks about Thanksgiving and Valentine's Day. In November 2020, she tweeted, "Please DON’T gather for the colonizer holiday. Please DO wear a mask, physically distance, support local independent restaurants via carryout/delivery and help provide meals for neighbors in your community." In a recent interview, Hong stated, "I don’t want to cancel it. I actually love it."

As a former chef, Hong had also voiced frustrations about Valentine's Day, posting in February 2022, "As if we weren’t invisible enough to those who don’t recognize the emotional & physical labor of service work, the worst of humanity comes out from folks ‘celebrating’ on another day capitalism tells you how to show love."

Taxation Proposals

Earlier this year, Hong proposed a bill that would significantly increase taxes on high earners in Wisconsin, introducing an additional income tax bracket. This bracket would have taxed individuals earning at least $750,000 and married couples earning $1 million at 17.3%, more than double the state's then-highest rate. The bill, intended to fund school improvements, failed to pass in March. During a debate in late July, Hong adjusted her position, stating she now supports an 8.65% income tax rate on millionaires in the state.