Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate Francesca Hong has confirmed her continued membership in the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), stating she has been a dues-paying member of her local Madison chapter since 2020. However, she also sought to distance herself from some of the organization's more controversial stances, particularly regarding police abolition and restructuring governmental bodies.
During an appearance on Fox News' "America's Newsroom," Hong was pressed by host Dana Perino on past social media posts advocating for police abolition and the elimination of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Hong, who is considered a frontrunner for the Democratic nomination for Wisconsin governor, described herself as a "democratic socialist," a "good single mom," and a "service industry worker."
When questioned about her stance on abolishing the Senate, Hong responded that such a proposal is "nonsensical and non-practical at this time." She also indicated a belief in checks and balances, which led her to reject the idea of eliminating the Supreme Court. Regarding her past calls to defund the police, Hong stated that her views have evolved and that, if elected governor, she "won’t defund the police."
Her campaign previously addressed comments about abolishing the Senate, stating she did not recall making such a post in 2021, which followed impeachment proceedings against then-President Donald Trump. Hong also addressed past calls for police abolition made in 2021 after federal prosecutors declined to charge an officer involved in the shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha. At that time, she did not explicitly state whether she still supported abolishing the police, but she has since stated, "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."
Hong's participation in a June broadcast with Hasan Piker also brought attention to other aspects of her platform, which have included support for universal childcare, free school meals, public grocery stores, and legalizing cannabis. Despite facing scrutiny over her past statements, Hong has received backing from local Wisconsin DSA chapters and public endorsements from figures such as U.S. Representatives Ilhan Omar and Ro Khanna.