Sen. Bernie Sanders declined to endorse Francesca Hong’s Wisconsin gubernatorial bid, and the exchange set off a wave of criticism and social media reaction that highlights tensions within the left and real concerns about electability in a toss-up state.
Sanders was asked if he would back Francesca Hong and answered bluntly, “I don’t think so,” during an interview. He added, “I met Francesca a couple of years ago, I was in Wisconsin, and she seems very, very nice, but again this is a race I’m just not that familiar with.” Sanders also noted “we have not gotten involved in many governors races” beyond a recent Maine endorsement.
The refusal to endorse touched a nerve with observers who see it as a sign Sanders doubts Hong’s chances statewide. Critics compared that hesitation to Sanders’ past endorsements and argued it exposes inconsistency in backing candidates with real baggage.
“Bernie says he’s not backing Francesca Hong because he’s focused on the Senate,” Washington Free Beacon reporter Chuck Ross . Many on the right seized on that line to press the contrast between Sanders’ selective involvement and the risk Hong brings to a competitive state.
“Says a lot,” Politico reporter Will Steakin . That short reaction summed up how quickly the exchange turned into a broader argument about judgment and strategy inside Democratic ranks.
“Guy with the Nazi Tattoo ‘hey everyone makes mistakes’,” conservative commentator Stephen L. Miller . “Crazy communist lady – ‘not my cup of tea sorry.’” Those barbs underline how political opponents are ready to paint Hong as extreme while framing Sanders as out of step.
“This guy endorsed a guy with a natzi [sic] tat but thinks @FrancescaHongWi is not worth an endorsement……,” Jerry Ponio, legislative director for Americans for Prosperity – Wisconsin, . The tweet captured the rhetorical angle Republicans and free-market groups will use to question left‑wing credibility and priorities.
https://x.com/ChuckRossDC/status/2085152512022040586?s=20
“Well, I guess even Bernie enjoys celebrating Thanksgiving at one of his three houses,” an account ran by Hong’s likely general election opponent, Republican Tom Tiffany, . That post references past controversies and feeds the narrative Republicans are building about perceived hypocrisy on the left.
Tiffany’s camp and allied groups have repeatedly highlighted viral moments tied to Hong, leaning on them to suggest she’s a risky choice in a statewide general election. The attacks aim to convert Democratic infighting into Republican advantage in Wisconsin’s close political environment.
“Francesca Hong, who is a Socialist candidate for Governor of Wisconsin is too radical…even for Bernie Sanders,” Turning Point Action Northeast Manager Brandon Maly . Political foes are using that exact framing to argue Hong’s platform will be a liability come November.
Requests for comment were sent to the Hong campaign and Sanders’ office. The exchange has already become fodder for ads and social feeds as both sides prepare for a heated primary and a tougher general election fight.
Critics argue Hong’s policy stances place her well to the left of Wisconsin’s electorate and could make the state vulnerable in a general election against a Republican nominee. Her social media record includes pledges and rhetoric that opponents say are politically toxic in a swing state context.
Hong has tried to clarify or soften some positions in recent interviews as she heads into a competitive Democratic primary against several established Democrats. Polling still shows her competitive and potentially poised to win the primary and face a likely Republican nominee in November.
