Wisconsin gubernatorial hopeful Francesca Hong faces backlash over past social media remarks
Democratic primary candidate for Wisconsin governor Francesca Hong has been criticized for earlier X posts describing America as an "abundance of suffering" and other controversial statements.
Wisconsin state Rep. Francesca Hong, a self-identified democratic socialist, is seeking the Democratic nomination for governor. Online archives reveal a January 2022 X post in which she labeled the United States an "abundance of suffering" and advocated for a "wealth of opportunity" by electing more Black and Brown officials. Earlier posts, now removed, questioned Thanksgiving, linked it to colonialism, and described personal anxiety in predominantly white settings.
Hong also voiced strong criticism of police after the 2020 Jacob Blake shooting, describing police as upholding white supremacy and calling for abolition, though her spokesperson notes her language on the issue has softened. When asked about the controversy, Hong said she occasionally posted impulsive thoughts on social media and is focusing on voter-concerned issues. Her campaign has not responded to requests for further comment.
Why it matters
The story highlights how past online statements can influence a candidate's viability in a statewide election.
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