Wisconsin state Rep. Francesca Hong, a leading candidate in the Democratic gubernatorial primary, is facing criticism for past social media posts where she expressed negative sentiments about several major American holidays. The resurfaced comments, particularly from 2020, have drawn attention as she campaigns for the state's top executive office.
In a November 2020 post, Hong suggested that Thanksgiving should be canceled to avoid "celebrating colonialism and the original superspreader event that killed Indegenous [sic.] folx and women." She has since described the post as something she has walked back and stated that Thanksgiving is her "favorite holiday."
Further scrutiny has focused on her other social media commentary. On Valentine's Day in 2022, Hong wrote about her experience working in restaurants, stating, "I miss working in a restaurant every day...except on VDay." She added, "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."
Her past remarks also include comments about Halloween. In 2019, she posted, "I don't allow myself to work Halloween weekend or the day of. I would actually ask every single person in costume to leave." Six years later, she noted that Halloween was "not my thing" and an "off limits" subject for questions.
Concerns have also been raised regarding her views on fireworks. In the early morning hours of July 5, 2020, she questioned, "Why isn't there a curfew on fireworks?" She had previously stated on June 29, 2019, "I do not enjoy fireworks."
Commentators have responded to these posts in various ways. Some have drawn comparisons to the Grinch, suggesting a dislike for holidays, with one anonymous user terming it "grinchmaxxing." Others have defended Hong, with one user on X stating that it gives her "character" and that "'oh you know Fran, she hates holidays.'"
While some have pointed to a post where she felt "slightly attacked" by a Christmas tree on her computer background as evidence of a distaste for Christmas, the notes also indicate she has made multiple posts celebrating the holiday. Conservatives have frequently accused Democrats of waging a "war on Christmas."
Hong is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America. The article notes that figures on the left have historically challenged holidays like Thanksgiving, Independence Day, and Columbus Day due to their historical associations. The Hong campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.