Francesca Hong, a Democratic candidate for Wisconsin governor, is confronting criticism following the resurgence of old social media posts in which she expressed negative views about several traditional holidays. The resurfaced comments, particularly one from 2021 calling for Thanksgiving to be canceled, have drawn fire from Republican opponents.
In a post that has since been removed from her X account, Hong wrote, "Cancel Thanksgiving. Should have done this in 1621. If it takes a worldwide pandemic for us to realize we should stop celebrating colonialism and the original superspreader event that killed Indigenous folx and women so be it." This statement was quickly targeted by Republican critics who accused her of attacking a widely celebrated American holiday.
Politicians, including Wisconsin Republican Representative Tom Tiffany and Texas Senator Ted Cruz, have seized on the remarks. Tiffany stated, "I won't cancel Thanksgiving. I can't say the same about my likely Democrat Socialist opponent, Francesca Hong." Cruz criticized what he described as a left-wing effort to "cancel Thanksgiving" and "cancel Christmas."
Despite the controversy, Hong has recently declared Thanksgiving her "favorite holiday" in an interview for the Politico Playbook podcast. When pressed by CNN's Kaitlan Collins about her past comments, Hong, a chef and community organizer, explained that while the holiday has painful historical associations for some, gathering and sharing meals remains meaningful. She stated, "I wanted to make sure that people understood that there are multiple views, but views can evolve."
Beyond Thanksgiving, other past social media posts from Hong have also drawn attention. She has expressed dislike for fireworks, commented critically on a Christmas-themed computer background, and shared her negative feelings about working in the restaurant industry on Valentine's Day. She also once stated that Halloween was off-limits for discussion.
Hong, who is leading the Democratic primary for Wisconsin governor according to a July 22 Marquette Law School Poll, has a background that includes her parents immigrating from South Korea in 1987. Her mother became a music teacher and choir director in Madison, while her father pursued sociology studies. Hong herself attended Madison West High School and worked in the restaurant industry before entering politics. She co-owned a restaurant, Morris Ramen, which closed in 2024.
Incumbent Democratic Governor Tony Evers has endorsed Milwaukee County executive David Crowley in the gubernatorial race. The race to challenge Republican Tom Tiffany remains open, with 45 percent of undecided voters according to the Marquette Law School Poll.