Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial candidate Francesca Hong clarified her stance on Thanksgiving during a CNN interview on Monday, amid renewed scrutiny of past remarks and policy positions. Hong, a Democratic Socialist of America member and current Wisconsin State Assembly member, is the frontrunner in the Democratic primary for the August 11 gubernatorial election.
In response to a question about a 2020 social media post where she suggested canceling Thanksgiving, Hong stated that Thanksgiving is 'incredibly painful for many people in our communities' while also acknowledging its role in bringing people together. 'I’m a chef, and one of the first meals that I made for the community when I was 16 was a Thanksgiving meal,' Hong said. 'I always think my hospitality background in owning a restaurant for seven, eight years, that bringing folks around the table to share conversation and build community is always a good thing.' She added, 'But Thanksgiving is also a time that’s incredibly painful for many people in our communities. And so, I think there, I wanted to make sure that people understood that there are multiple views, but views can evolve.'
Hong also addressed past comments on race and identity, including remarks about 'whiteness' made during a 2021 interview. '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,' Hong said. These comments resurfaced as part of broader scrutiny of her campaign.
Additionally, Hong reiterated her stance on criminal justice reform, stating she is 'not interested in abolishing prisons' and does not support defunding the police. 'What I am interested in is being serious about safety, and that means ensuring that law enforcement has the training that they need and that we’re holding law enforcement that break the law accountable,' she said. Hong emphasized her support for policies that prevent crime, including funding schools, mental health resources, addiction services, and housing initiatives.
Hong’s campaign has framed her mental health history as a strength, with her team confirming she is currently in treatment for depression and takes antidepressants. 'My own mental health journey has given me a much deeper sense of empathy and compassion,' Hong stated. 'I’m a stronger leader because of the times that I struggled, and it’s important to talk openly so that others aren’t isolated and can take that first step to get help.' Her campaign includes mental health policies that would expand community-based care resources.
The scrutiny of Hong’s past remarks and policy positions comes as she campaigns alongside progressive figures such as Rep. Ilhan Omar and socialist streamer Hasan Piker, tying her candidacy to a national progressive movement. Republicans have criticized her alignment with these figures, arguing her views have gone too far to the left.
Hong’s responses to these controversies reflect a broader effort to balance her progressive platform with appeals to a wider electorate. Her campaign has emphasized issues such as fixing roads, investing in rural communities, and ensuring public safety, while also advocating for policies like expanded mental health care and culturally relevant health services.
As the August 11 primary approaches, Hong’s ability to navigate these controversies while maintaining her frontrunner status remains a key focus of the race.