Democratic socialist and former Wisconsin state Rep. Francesca Hong has reversed course on her past social media call to "cancel Thanksgiving," telling Politico in an interview Wednesday that the holiday is actually her "favorite." The gubernatorial candidate, a professional chef, added that she "actually loves" Thanksgiving, a notable shift from her earlier defense of the now-deleted 2021 post.
During a Monday appearance on CNN, Hong had stood by the post, which read "Cancel Thanksgiving. Should have done this in 1621," describing the holiday as "a time that's incredibly painful for many people in our communities." That stance drew sharp criticism from Republicans and political strategists, prompting her to clarify her position.
"I'm just going to be real, I'm kind of a curmudgeon when it comes to holidays in general," Hong said. "But right now, what we want to get serious about is making sure we deliver a Democratic trifecta." She also acknowledged that "views can evolve."
The controversy comes as Hong campaigns to replace retiring Gov. Tony Evers. Her top rival, former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, suspended his campaign amid allegations of sexual misconduct, leaving Hong as the frontrunner in the crowded Democratic primary field that includes Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, state Sen. Kelda Roys, and Joel Brennan.
Hong has secured endorsements from progressive figures like Reps. Ro Khanna and Ilhan Omar, while Evers has backed Crowley. A July Marquette University poll showed Hong leading the primary with 38 percent support, followed by Barnes at 16 percent.
Hong's membership in Madison's Democratic Socialists of America chapter has been a point of contention. Although local DSA chapters have endorsed her, she has distanced herself from the national organization's more radical positions. "The governor cannot defund police, and I'm not here to govern by slogan," she said at the Wisconsin Democratic Party's sole gubernatorial debate last month.
In her interview with The Hill, Hong suggested the Thanksgiving post "could" have been made in jest. "These are beliefs that I held when I was in different positions myself, and right now I'm in the position of running for governor," she said. "I need to be sensible, sensible and practical on what we can achieve."
The episode has become a flashpoint in the race, with critics questioning her judgment and supporters viewing it as an overblown controversy. Hong's pivot reflects a broader effort to moderate her image as she seeks to win a general election in a battleground state. Her campaign has emphasized practical governance over ideological purity, a theme echoed in her recent statements.
As the primary approaches, Hong's ability to navigate such controversies while maintaining progressive support will be crucial. The race has drawn national attention, with Democrats eager to hold the governor's mansion in Wisconsin. Hong's stance on Thanksgiving may be a minor blip, but it underscores the challenges of running as a self-described democratic socialist in a swing state.
