Wisconsin Gov Candidate Hong Faces Backlash Over 'Cancel Thanksgiving' Remarks
Democratic frontrunner's past comments draw fire from both parties amid tight race.
1Origins of the controversy
Francesca Hong, the Democratic frontrunner in Wisconsin's gubernatorial race, faced backlash over a since-deleted 2020 tweet calling to 'cancel Thanksgiving.' The state assembly member compared the holiday's celebration of colonialism to COVID-19 as a 'superspreader' event that harmed Indigenous populations. Her remarks resurfaced during a CNN interview this week, reigniting debate about historical reckoning versus tradition.
2Non-answer on CNN
When pressed by CNN's Kaitlan Collins about whether she stands by her 2020 statement, Hong avoided a direct yes/no response. The chef-turned-politician said 'views can evolve' while acknowledging Thanksgiving's 'painful' aspects for some communities. She emphasized her hospitality background in bringing people together, framing it as gubernatorial qualification—a pivot that critics called evasive.
3Intra-party criticism
Prominent Democrats joined conservatives in condemning Hong's stance. Former Obama adviser David Axelrod tweeted that such answers make voters wonder if 'Ds may be cooked' in Wisconsin. Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.) defended Thanksgiving as quintessentially American, jabbing that it's only painful for 'Cowboys fans' watching their team lose. The reactions highlight progressive positions' vulnerability in swing states.
4GOP seizes opportunity
Republican candidate Tom Tiffany accused Hong of seeking to 'destroy unifying traditions,' pledging to preserve Thanksgiving as governor. Hong's CNN clip went viral with 8M+ views on X, becoming fodder for conservative media. The controversy comes as Wisconsin's August 11 primary approaches, with Hong leading polls by 22 points despite recent dropouts narrowing the field.
5Police reform comments scrutinized
On 'Pod Save America,' Hong faced questions about past calls to abolish police—which she said exist to uphold white supremacy. While disavowing abolition plans, she stood by prioritizing public safety reforms. This dual messaging reflects progressives' tightrope walk on policing issues, especially after 2020's 'defund' movement damaged Democrats in midterms.
6Polling position holds
Despite controversies, Hong maintains a commanding lead in Marquette University's latest poll at 38%, 22 points ahead of former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes before his exit. Milwaukee County Exec David Crowley trails at 7%. Her resilience suggests strong progressive base support, though general election viability remains questionable in this purple state Trump won in 2016.
7Electoral implications
Analysts warn Hong's radical past statements could alienate moderates in this bellwether state. As Democrats aim to flip Wisconsin after 2022's narrow GOP gubernatorial win, cultural issues like Thanksgiving and policing may outweigh Hong's economic populism. The primary's outcome will test whether progressive purity or electability drives Democratic voters in 2024's polarized climate.
8Culture wars' electoral role
The Hong controversy exemplifies how historical reappraisals of national symbols like Thanksgiving become political lightning rods. While appealing to woke activists, such stances risk mobilizing conservative opposition—a dynamic likely to intensify ahead of November. As culture war battles dominate U.S. politics, even state races become proxies for broader ideological conflicts over American identity.