Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., has declined to endorse Democratic Socialist of America member Francesca Hong's Wisconsin gubernatorial bid, a decision that drew swift criticism and mockery on social media.
When asked if he would endorse Hong, Sanders responded, “I don’t think so.” He told "Pod Save America" host Jon Favreau that while he had met Hong and found her “very, very nice,” he was “just not that familiar with” the race. Sanders noted that his involvement in gubernatorial races has been limited, citing a recent endorsement in Maine.
Political commentators interpreted Sanders' refusal to endorse as a sign he does not believe Hong can win. Some observers pointed to Sanders' past endorsements, including one for a Maine gubernatorial candidate with a controversial history, as a point of comparison.
Francesca Hong, a Democratic state representative, is running in the Wisconsin gubernatorial primary against Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, former Wisconsin Department of Administration secretary Joel Brennan, and Democratic state Sen. Kelda Roys. Polls indicate Hong is likely to win the primary and advance to face Republican Tom Tiffany in the general election.
Critics have voiced concerns that Hong's political positions, which include identifying as a socialist and previously advocating for policies such as abolishing the U.S. Senate and defunding the police, may be too progressive for a swing state like Wisconsin. Hong has reportedly attempted to moderate some of these stances in recent interviews.
Some of Hong's past statements, including a remark about potentially canceling Thanksgiving, have also drawn attention and criticism, notably from her likely general election opponent, Tom Tiffany. The New York Post reached out to Hong's campaign and Sanders' office for comment.