Francesca Hong, the front‑runner for the Democratic nomination in Wisconsin's gubernatorial race, has faced sharp criticism from across the political spectrum after she declined to directly reaffirm a now‑deleted 2020 social media post that urged people to "cancel Thanksgiving." The exchange — part of a CNN interview — and a related podcast appearance have revived scrutiny of her past posts and prompted debate about her electability ahead of the Aug. 11 primary.
What Hong Said And Why It Sank In
In a 2020 post on the platform then known as Twitter, Hong wrote: "Cancel Thanksgiving. Should have done this in 1621. If it takes a worldwide pandemic for us to realize we should stop celebrating colonialism and the original superspreader event that killed Indigenous folx and women so be it." She has since deleted the post.
When asked on CNN by Kaitlan Collins whether she stood by that post, Hong did not give a simple yes or no. Instead she offered context: "Views can evolve," she said, noting her background as a chef and describing Thanksgiving as both a tradition that brings people together and, for many communities, a painful reminder of colonialism. She added that her hospitality experience has taught her the value of bringing people to the table.
"I'm a chef, and one of the first meals that I made... was a Thanksgiving meal... But Thanksgiving is also a time that's incredibly painful for many people in our communities... views can evolve." — Francesca Hong
Response From Across The Aisle
The interview clip circulated widely on X (formerly Twitter), with one repost of the exchange approaching nearly 8 million views. Critics included figures from both parties: former Obama adviser David Axelrod warned that the answer could raise questions about Hong's general‑election viability, quipping about Democrats' prospects if she wins the primary. Democratic Rep. Brendan Boyle defended Thanksgiving as an "all‑American holiday" in a lighthearted post, while Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany — himself a GOP primary candidate for Wisconsin governor — said he "won't cancel Thanksgiving as governor," accusing Hong of attacking shared traditions.
Questions About Other Past Posts
On the podcast "Pod Save America," host Jon Favreau raised previous social posts in which Hong had written about abolishing the police and asserted that "police exist to uphold white supremacy." Hong told Favreau she does not intend to pursue abolition as governor and emphasized a focus on public safety: reducing violent crime, improving law enforcement training and resources, and holding officers accountable for unlawful conduct. When pressed on whether she still believes police exist to uphold white supremacy, Hong answered, "No."
Where The Race Stands
The Wisconsin Democratic primary is scheduled for Aug. 11. Recent Marquette University polling released last week showed Hong leading the Democratic field with 38% support, 22 points ahead of former lieutenant governor Mandela Barnes (who has since exited the race), while Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley polled at 7%. Hong is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, and her past social media activity has become a focal point as opponents and voters evaluate her viability for the general election.
Bottom line: Hong's nuanced response — emphasizing evolving views and community context — did not satisfy many critics and has become a campaign flashpoint that opponents are likely to revisit as the Aug. 11 primary approaches.
