Democratic socialist and former Wisconsin state Rep. Francesca Hong on Monday defended her past social media post urging Americans to “cancel Thanksgiving,” a stance that has become a flashpoint in her bid for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination.
During an appearance on CNN’s “The Source,” host Kaitlan Collins pressed Hong on the now-deleted 2021 post in which she wrote: “Cancel Thanksgiving. Should have done this in 1621.” Hong, a professional chef, said the holiday is “a time that’s incredibly painful for many people in our communities,” and she reiterated that her comments were aimed at the historical legacy of colonialism and violence against Indigenous peoples.
Republicans have seized on the remark, arguing it shows Hong is out of step with mainstream voters. Jessica Taylor of the nonpartisan Cook Political Report wrote that “the Thanksgiving answer was so off the mark for what people view as ‘normal,’” while Democratic strategist David Axelrod warned that if Hong wins the primary, “Ds may be cooked.”
Hong is now the frontrunner in the Aug. 11 primary after former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes suspended his campaign amid sexual misconduct allegations. Her remaining opponents are Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, state Sen. Kelda Roys, and Joel Brennan. Gov. Tony Evers has endorsed Crowley, while progressive figures like Reps. Ro Khanna and Ilhan Omar back Hong.
Hong has built her campaign around a state Economic Justice Bill of Rights, proposing a state bank and expanded public services. She told The Hill that voters “want someone who’s going to be able to deliver change,” and she framed her democratic socialism as “unapologetically pro-public.”
The controversy over her Thanksgiving comments comes amid a broader debate about the influence of democratic socialists in the Democratic Party. While establishment figures argue the trend is localized, others, like New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, say socialism is rooted in the party’s history, citing FDR and the New Deal. Democratic socialists face their toughest test in the Midwest, and Hong’s campaign could be a bellwether. DSA co-chair claims socialists are the Democratic Party's core voters, a view that resonates with Hong’s supporters but alarms centrists.
Hong has not received the national DSA endorsement, though several local chapters have backed her. She dismissed concerns about electability, saying she is just as “frustrated” and “stressed” about the state of politics as voters. “I want the public goods,” she said. “Childcare should be a public good, and public education, the services that everyone uses.”
As the primary approaches, Hong’s ability to navigate the Thanksgiving backlash and rally progressive support will be critical. Van Hollen says Democrats should welcome socialists amid the left surge, but the political reality in Wisconsin may be more complicated. Manchin dismisses backing socialist candidates, highlighting the intra-party divide that could shape November’s general election.
