Renee Olstead, also known as Renee Faust, has moved from entertainment and adult content platforms into a senior campaign role for Wisconsin state Rep. Francesca Hong, drawing sharp attention and criticism as the campaign heads into a Democratic primary. The pairing raises questions about judgment, messaging and the campaign’s priorities as Hong distances herself from some past progressive positions while keeping Olstead visibly on staff. Supporters point to Olstead’s advocacy and clinical background, while opponents say the arrangement undermines seriousness and raises ethical concerns. This article lays out who Olstead is, what her role appears to be, the reactions from both sides, and how it fits into Hong’s broader political positioning.
Olstead’s biography and public activity make clear she’s not a typical political aide. A former child actress who later modeled on subscription platforms, she now uses the name Renee Faust and lists “HONG 4 GOV” in her social media bio. Reports indicate she has served as a paid campaign operative since late in the previous year and has been visible at events coordinating surrogates and logistics.
The campaign issued a statement that framed Olstead’s qualifications through her clinical work. “Renee Faust is a licensed mental health clinician who has spent her career providing care to trafficking survivors,” the campaign said, adding that since December she helped build what they call a major grassroots effort in the state. That defense aims to shift the conversation from past work to present competencies, but it has not satisfied critics on the right.
Olstead’s advocacy history includes founding the Coalition for American Sex Workers (CASW – LOCAL 304), an organization that pushes for decriminalization and policy changes for sex workers. Last year she was presented with an official Wisconsin State Assembly citation recognizing that advocacy as well as her selection as “Penthouse Pet of the Year” in 2024. Those honors and affiliations are central to why conservative groups and commentators have reacted strongly.
Conservative advocacy groups in Wisconsin have been blunt in their criticism, using Olstead’s background to question Hong’s judgment. “Wisconsinites deserve to have serious people leading the state. It is unbelievable to see that the likely Democratic nominee for governor has an active sex worker leading her campaign,” Daniel Degner, president of Wisconsin Family Action, said in a statement. “Voters deserve to know whether if Hong is elected, she will elevate a porn star to leadership in her administration.”
Beyond personnel questions, Olstead’s presence intersects with Hong’s political record and past statements that have sparked controversy. Hong has at times embraced far-left ideas, including backing proposals that critics summarize as abolishing the U.S. Senate or defunding police, though she has tried to temper or distance herself from some of those positions ahead of the primary. A now-deleted 2020 post that urged “cancel Thanksgiving” to “stop celebrating colonialism and the original superspreader event that killed Indegenous [sic] folx and women” resurfaced and intensified scrutiny.
Hong has sought to tamp down the fallout from that post by publicly embracing the holiday. “My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving,” Hong told Politico Playbook. “Yep, I don’t want to cancel it. I actually love it.” The pivot shows the campaign is trying to manage optics and reassure mainstream voters while retaining a progressive base that appreciates bold cultural stances.
The primary field still includes other Democrats like Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, former state Department of Administration Secretary Joel Brennan and state Sen. Kelda Roys. Each rival is likely to press the competence and electability question, using Olstead’s role and Hong’s record as fodder in a competitive race. The dynamic offers Republicans and conservatives clear contrast lines to draw with a candidate they view as out of step with mainstream voters.
For voters concerned about leadership and tone, this episode serves as a test of priorities: whether campaign staffing and controversial advocacy matter more than grassroots organizing or whether political experience and traditional credentials should outweigh unconventional resumes. The outcome of the primary will reveal which argument carries more weight with Democratic primary voters in Wisconsin.
