Wisconsin State Assembly member Francesca Hong, a Democratic candidate for governor, is drawing renewed criticism for past comments regarding race, "whiteness," and policing that have resurfaced as her campaign gains visibility.
During a 2021 interview, Hong, who is biracial, spoke about navigating her son's identity. "My proximity to whiteness continues, right... My son is biracial. He is half-white and half-Korean. I think navigating what his identity is and how people perceive him is always at the back of my mind as well," she said, according to Fox News.
Her past social media posts and interview clips have become a focal point for critics. In one July 2019 post, Hong described an interaction at a restaurant: "Mostly just wanted to leave bc I was on the verge of a anxiety attack…to many old white people who didn’t think we spoke English." In a May 2019 post, she wrote, "2018- old white dude asks ‘where are you from?’ 2019- old white dude asks ‘what is your country of origin’ My ramen bar has become a customs kiosk."
Critics have labeled these remarks as "weirdo racism" and indicative of anti-white sentiment. Rick Esenberg, president of the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty, commented, "It must be exhausting to have to think like this."
Further scrutiny has focused on Hong's past statements about law enforcement. In October 2021, she posted, "Police exist to uphold white supremacy. Defund then abolish. Reform can’t be an option. My heart breaks for the trauma the Blake family and their community continues to endure."
The renewed attention coincides with Hong campaigning alongside prominent progressive figures, including Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar and streamer Hasan Piker. A recent rally featuring Omar and Hong required attendees to show photo identification for entry. This requirement drew criticism from Republicans and groups like Americans for Prosperity, who pointed to what they described as hypocrisy, given the left's general opposition to voter ID laws.
"Add this to the growing list of Fran Flip-Flops: @FrancescaHongWI opposes voter ID, yet she’s requiring photo ID for her event with Ilhan Omar. You can’t make this up," Wisconsin GOP gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany wrote on X.
Hong, who has served in the Wisconsin State Assembly since 2021, has not immediately responded to requests for comment regarding her past remarks and the criticisms they have generated.