Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial front-rnuner Francesca Hong is facing significant political pressure following the resurfacing of several controversial social media posts. The Madison-based state representative is dealing with backlash regarding past comments about Thanksgiving and a visit to a fast-food restaurant.
A 2020 call to "Cancel Thanksgiving"
A 2020 social media post has become a central point of contention for Francesca Hong as she seeks the Democratic nomination. In the deleted tweet, the Democratic socialist representative suggested that Americans should "Cancel Thanksgiving," adding that the nation "should have done this in 1621."
As the report states, Hong linked the holiday to the celebration of colonialism and described it as an "original superspreader event" that impacted Indigenous people and women during the pandemic. While the comment was originally made in November 2020, it has resurfaced to draw mockery across social media, with critics questioning what such a stance implies about her potential leadership.
The Black River Falls Culver's controversy
The Madison representative is also facing scrutiny over a 2019 tweet regarding a visit to a Culver's in Black River Falls. In that post, Hong claimed she experienced an anxiety attack after eating a small portion of her child's cheeseburger and telling him the restaurant had run out of ice cream .
The tweet included a comment about Wisconsin residents, specifically mentioning "too many old white people who didn't think she spoke English." This post has drawn sharp rebukes from political commentators. Alex Pfeiffer, a former White House principal deputy communications director, remarked that it was a "bold choice" for the party to run a candidate who experiences panic attacks at the sight of certain demographics at a fast-food chain. Additionally, Chuck Ross of the Washington Free Beacon mocked the incident, suggesting the post could only be worse if she had complained about the restaurant's use of butter.
A primary showdown following Mandela Barnes' exit
The political landscape in Wisconsin has shifted significantly following the recent departure of former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes from the race. This exit has left Francesca Hong and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley as the leading contenders for the Democratic nomination.
Hong has maintained a strong position in recent polls by championing a distinct socialist agenda . According to the source, her platform includes race-based grants for social wokers, the establishment of publicly funded grocery stores, and the creation of a state-run bank. While outgoing Governor Tony Evers has endorsed David Crowley, Hong continues to leverage her legislative record to build momentum heading into the August 11 primary.
Who will decide Hong's fitness for the governorship?
The resurfaced social media history leaves several specific questions regarding Hong's ability to lead a statewide coalition. It remains unclear how her comments about Indigenous history and her experiences in Black River Falls will resonate with rural or moderate voters. Furthermore, the source does not include a formal response from the Hong campaign regarding these specific allegations, leaving the debate over her connection to the broader Wisconsin electorate unresolved.
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