Francesca Hong, a progressive candidate backed by Democratic Socialists of America and a likely Democratic nominee for Wisconsin governor, is drawing attention for a deleted 2020 social media post that urged people to “Cancel Thanksgiving” and for a string of campaign moments that highlight her socialist platform and personal anecdotes that have been widely mocked online.
In a deleted November 2020 post, Hong wrote “Cancel Thanksgiving. Should have done this in 1621.” The comment is tied to a longer line she posted that said, “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,” which adds context to why she urged ending the holiday. That kind of messaging signals how she frames history and culture, and it has become a talking point for opponents who argue she is out of step with mainstream voters. Her phrasing and the use of “folx” have drawn particular attention in conservative circles as evidence of a progressive identity politics bent.
“‘Folx,'” Stephen Miller, a conservative podcaster, noting the term used to signal inclusivity of LGBTQ+ and other marginalized groups. Observers online connected the Thanksgiving remark to her broader political identity, with one commentator writing, “Francesca Hong is all but certain to be the Democratic nominee for governor of Wisconsin. She also wants to ‘Cancel Thanksgiving,’ according to a since-deleted tweet. What is going on in Wisconsin??” That line of criticism frames Hong as a candidate pushing far-left cultural positions while seeking statewide office.
Hong has publicly leaned into her socialist record as she runs, presenting herself as a champion for working-class people and promising to shift power and resources in their favor. Her platform includes race-targeted grants for social workers, state-supported grocery stores, and the creation of a state-run bank, policies that fiscal conservatives and many moderates say would expand government control and risk taxpayer dollars. Supporters argue these ideas address longstanding inequality in urban and rural communities, but critics see them as unrealistic and costly experiments that echo other self-described socialist officials around the country.
Her campaign has not avoided gaffes. Hong sparked ridicule for a personal anecdote she posted about taking “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.” That description of a panic attack at a family restaurant became fodder for those who say she lacks the temperament for statewide leadership. Her reply, “Omg English ***TOO **AN,” only amplified the mockery among opponents and commentators.
Conservative voices piled on with blunt takes, summing up the political risk. Former White House Principal Deputy Communications Director Alex Pfeiffer posted, “Bold choice for Democrats in Wisconsin running someone statewide who gets a panic attack at Culver’s at the sight of ‘old white people,’” while Chuck Ross wrote, “The only way this post could be worse for someone running for office in Wisconsin is if she had complained that Culver’s uses too much butter.” An online MAGA personality added, “One of the democrats running for Governor of Wisconsin doesn’t know that Culver’s serves only fresh frozen custard. She thinks they serve ice cream. Disqualifying.” Those reactions show how quickly a personal moment can become a campaign liability.
The Democratic primary field shifted when Mandela Barnes, who had been seen as a leading contender, abruptly ended his campaign amid reporting of an allegation that is currently under investigation by The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Barnes’ exit left Hong and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley as the leading options for Democratic voters, setting up a choice between a candidate leaning into socialism and a more establishment-backed figure. That dynamic makes Hong’s past posts and public persona even more scrutinized as voters weigh which message can win in November.
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Hong has been endorsed by several national progressive figures and has reported raising nearly $709,000 as of late June, according to state campaign filings, while Crowley has reported about $250,000 and has the endorsement of the outgoing governor. Gov. Evers has publicly endorsed Crowley, highlighting experience as a decisive factor for his pick. The primary is scheduled for Aug. 11, and with momentum and money playing roles, Republican strategists see an opening to portray the Democratic nominee as too far left for the statewide electorate.
