David Axelrod argues Francesca Hong's primary loss would aid Abdul el Sayed

In a recent X message, former Obama adviser David Axelrod suggested that Francesca Hong losing the Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial primary would benefit Michigan Senate nominee Abdul el Sayed by denying Republicans a narrative that ties the two progressive figures together. He warned that GOP operatives would likely try to link Hong and el Sayed as philosophical kin in order to shift focus away from President Donald Trump.

Axelrod described Hong as a “font of zany liberal, faculty lounge exotica,” while calling el Sayed a “serious person.” Hong, who identifies as a democratic socialist, has attracted scrutiny for earlier statements supporting police defunding and a 2020 tweet advocating the cancellation of Thanksgiving. Although she later clarified her stance on public safety, her progressive platform remains a focal point. Axelrod’s comments underscore a growing anxiety among Democratic strategists that nominating candidates viewed as far left could provide Republicans with effective political ammunition in key Midwestern races.