Wisconsin gubernatorial hopeful Francesca Hong revisits past Culver's comments amid criticism

Democratic candidate Francesca Hong recalled a 2019 incident at a Culver's where she felt anxious because of the crowd, and has since defended her earlier remarks about the restaurant.

Francesca Hong, the Democratic contender for Wisconsin governor, disclosed a 2019 social-media entry in which she said she exited a Culver's restaurant in Black River Falls because the presence of many older white patrons triggered an anxiety episode. She added that those patrons seemed to think she did not speak English, though she offered no further explanation. In 2020, Hong posted a mixed review of Culver's menu, lauding its fried cheese curds for travel but dismissing the in-restaurant version as substandard, while also critiquing the fries and praising the Reuben sandwich.

The candidate's past statements also include a 2021 tweet asserting that police exist to uphold white supremacy, a claim she now distances herself from, stating that people can evolve and that she would not defund police if elected. During a recent interview with one outlet, Hong emphasized her commitment to funding initiatives that reduce crime rather than cutting police budgets. The resurfacing of these posts has sparked renewed scrutiny of her record during the campaign.