Francesca Hong, a Democratic candidate for Wisconsin governor, is facing criticism following the resurfacing of a 2020 social media post in which she advocated for canceling Thanksgiving. The post, made on X (formerly Twitter) and since deleted, referred to the holiday as an endorsement of "colonialism" and a "superspreader event." Hong, who has aligned with socialist politics and is backed by the Democratic Socialists of America, wrote, "Cancel Thanksgiving. Should have done this in 1621." She added, "If it takes a worldwide pandemic for us to realize we should stop celebrating colonialism and the original superspreader event that killed indigenous folx [sic] and women, so be it."
The resurfaced post has drawn commentary online from various observers, with some highlighting Hong's progressive stances as she campaigns for the gubernatorial nomination. Hong has characterized her socialist platform as a means to ensure "working-class people have their fair share."
Campaign Context and Other Remarks
Hong's campaign has emphasized policy positions such as race-based grants for social workers, publicly funded grocery stores, and a state-run bank. She has garnered support from national progressive figures, including Reps. Ilhan Omar and Ro Khanna. As of late June, her campaign had raised nearly $709,000.
In addition to the Thanksgiving post, another remark from 2019 has also drawn attention. In that post, Hong described an experience at a Culver's restaurant, stating, "I ate two bites of my kid’s cheeseburger at a Culver’s in black river falls and told him they ran out of ice cream. Mostly just wanted to leave bc I was on the verge of a anxiety attack…to (sic) many old white people who didn’t think we spoke english."
This comment led to further online criticism, with some questioning her suitability for statewide office in Wisconsin.
Shifting Race Dynamics
The Wisconsin gubernatorial race saw a significant shift recently when Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, a former frontrunner, withdrew his candidacy. Barnes' departure came amid an ongoing investigation into allegations of workplace misconduct.
With Barnes out of the race, Hong and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley have emerged as the leading contenders for the Democratic nomination. Crowley, who has secured $250,000 in campaign funds, has received the endorsement of current Gov. Tony Evers, who cited Crowley's experience.
The gubernatorial primary election is scheduled for August 11. Hong has been interviewed by figures such as Twitch streamer Hasan Piker regarding her political views and platform.