Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial candidate Francesca Hong has sought to distance herself from controversial Twitch streamer Hasan Piker following criticism of her appearance on his livestream, which also served as a fundraiser for her campaign.
During an interview on "MS NOW Reports" Wednesday, Hong was asked about her late June appearance on Piker's show. The appearance had drawn criticism from former Democratic Wisconsin Elections Commissioner Ann Jacobs, who stated that Hong was "willing to sell out the Jews of Wisconsin for a few bucks."
"I condemn hatred, discrimination, antisemitism and Islamophobia, any sort of dehumanizing of communities," Hong responded. She added that appearing on such platforms is important for campaigns to "get our message out in places where campaigns struggle to reach voters." However, she clarified, "Just because I am on a platform certainly does not mean that I endorse everything that has been said by either the hosts or other people who have gone on."
Hong also drew a parallel to Republican opponent Rep. Tom Tiffany, R-Wis., suggesting that if officials were responsible for everything controversial hosts have said, Tiffany would be accountable for remarks made on a radio show that allegedly called for the execution of the governor of Minnesota.
"So, I think it’s important to recognize that when we are campaigning in areas where folks may not have already heard our message, it’s important to let them know that we are a campaign that is fighting for working-class people," Hong stated.
Piker has faced backlash for past controversial statements, including claims that America "deserved" 9/11 and that Hamas is "a thousand times better" than Israel. Despite these controversies, he has become a notable figure within the Democratic Party, participating in campaigns for progressive candidates such as Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed.
Hong, who has previously described herself as a democratic socialist, also made statements in 2020 advocating for efforts to defund and abolish the police. However, she appeared to walk back these comments in May, stating to Fox News Digital, "There is no way I want to cut resources for public safety. I don’t like crime. I don’t like unsafe streets. I also don’t like when a member of law enforcement abuses their power."