Now why would they want this?
A leading Democratic candidate for governor in Wisconsin is facing renewed scrutiny after previously calling for Americans to stop celebrating Thanksgiving, a position that has resurfaced just days before voters head to the polls in one of the state’s most closely watched elections.
Francesca Hong, a Democratic state lawmaker backed by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), is now considered one of the leading contenders for her party’s nomination for governor. But as her campaign gains momentum, critics are pointing to old social media posts that have reignited debate over her views on American traditions and progressive politics.
The controversy has become another flashpoint in an already competitive Democratic primary, with conservatives arguing Hong’s past statements could alienate moderate and independent voters across Wisconsin.
Hong Once Called for Thanksgiving to Be Canceled
Attention has focused on a social media post Hong made during Thanksgiving in 2020 that has since been deleted.
In the post, she wrote, “Cancel Thanksgiving. Should have done this in 1621.”
Hong argued that the holiday should no longer be celebrated because she believed it glorified colonialism and ignored the suffering of Native Americans following European settlement. She also referenced the spread of disease that devastated many Indigenous communities after contact with European settlers.
Although the post was removed years ago, screenshots have resurfaced online as Hong’s statewide campaign has received increasing national attention.
For many Americans, Thanksgiving remains one of the country’s most cherished holidays, centered on faith, family gatherings, gratitude, and shared traditions. Hong’s previous remarks have therefore become a major talking point among her political opponents and conservative commentators.
Social Media Reacts to the Resurfaced Posts
The renewed attention quickly sparked criticism across social media.
Several conservative commentators questioned whether a candidate who once advocated canceling Thanksgiving reflects the values of many Wisconsin voters.
Others highlighted Hong’s use of the term “folx” in the original post, arguing it reflected the increasingly progressive language embraced by some activists on the political left.
The resurfaced comments have fueled broader debates over whether progressive politicians are out of touch with traditional American values and long-standing national holidays.
Hong Embraces Progressive Policies
Hong has never shied away from describing herself as a democratic socialist.
Throughout her campaign, she has argued that government should play a larger role in addressing economic inequality and ensuring working-class Americans receive what she considers a fair share of the nation’s prosperity.
Her platform includes several proposals that have attracted both praise and criticism, including:
- Expanding government-funded grocery stores.
- Creating a state-owned public bank.
- Supporting grant programs targeted toward expanding the social work profession.
- Backing additional government involvement in economic development.
Supporters argue these ideas would make essential services more affordable and help struggling families.
Critics counter that the proposals would dramatically expand government spending while increasing taxpayer costs.
Hong’s policy agenda has drawn comparisons to other nationally known progressive Democrats, including self-described socialist politicians who have advocated for larger government programs across the country.
Another Resurfaced Post Draws Fresh Criticism
The Thanksgiving controversy is not the only issue returning to the spotlight.
Critics also resurfaced a 2019 social media post in which Hong described experiencing anxiety while visiting a Culver’s restaurant in Black River Falls.
In that post, Hong wrote that she left the restaurant after feeling overwhelmed because there were “too many old white people who didn’t think we spoke English.”
The comments quickly became another source of criticism.
Former White House Principal Deputy Communications Director Alex Pfeiffer questioned whether those remarks would resonate with voters in Wisconsin, where Culver’s is widely viewed as a hometown favorite.
Other conservative commentators joked about Hong referring to Culver’s frozen custard as ice cream, with some suggesting the mistake alone would not sit well with loyal Wisconsin customers.
The resurfaced posts have generated significant online discussion as voters continue evaluating the candidates seeking the Democratic nomination.
Wisconsin Governor’s Race Changes Overnight
The Democratic primary took a dramatic turn after former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes unexpectedly suspended his campaign.
Barnes entered the race with strong statewide name recognition and had been considered one of the leading candidates because of his previous statewide victories and close relationship with outgoing Gov. Tony Evers.
His withdrawal reshaped the race almost immediately.
With Barnes no longer competing, Hong and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley emerged as the two leading Democratic contenders heading into the final stretch of the campaign.
Barnes’ departure also comes as allegations regarding his past workplace conduct have drawn public attention. Those claims remain separate from the governor’s race.
Fundraising Advantage Gives Hong Momentum
Hong has also built a sizable fundraising advantage.
State campaign finance records show she raised nearly $709,000 through late June, giving her substantially more financial resources than many of her opponents.
Crowley, by comparison, reported raising approximately $250,000 during the same period.
The fundraising gap has helped Hong expand her statewide campaign while attracting endorsements from several nationally recognized progressive Democrats, including Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Rep. Ro Khanna of California.
Crowley, meanwhile, has secured support from numerous Wisconsin leaders, including outgoing Gov. Tony Evers, who praised his executive experience leading Milwaukee County.
Election Could Reveal Divide Inside Democratic Party
The Wisconsin governor’s race has increasingly highlighted broader divisions within today’s Democratic Party.
Progressive candidates continue pushing policies that call for greater government involvement in healthcare, banking, education, and economic policy, while more moderate Democrats argue the party must appeal to independents and swing voters to remain competitive.
Hong’s past comments about Thanksgiving have added another layer to that debate, with supporters defending her criticism of American history while opponents argue the remarks demonstrate hostility toward one of the nation’s most widely celebrated family holidays.
As the primary approaches, voters will ultimately decide whether those resurfaced statements influence their decision at the ballot box.
What Comes Next
Wisconsin Democrats will choose their nominee in the August 11 gubernatorial primary, setting the stage for one of the most closely watched governor’s races in the country.
Whether Hong’s past social media posts become a lasting political liability remains to be seen. Supporters insist her campaign is focused on economic issues and helping working families, while critics argue her previous statements reveal a worldview that many Wisconsin voters may reject.
With the election just days away, the outcome will offer an early test of how progressive messaging and controversial past remarks resonate with voters in a key battleground state.
