Francesca Hong Defends 'Cancel Thanksgiving' Post as Wisconsin Governor Race Heats Up

Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial candidate Francesca Hong, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, faced renewed scrutiny after a 2020 X post calling for the cancellation of Thanksgiving resurfaced. On CNN’s “The Source,” host Kaitlan Collins asked Hong directly, “Do you still believe Thanksgiving should be canceled?” Hong replied that she has cooked Thanksgiving meals and that the holiday is “incredibly painful for many people in our communities,” adding that “views can evolve.” She emphasized her hospitality background and said her experience as a chef would help her “bring more people to the table” as governor.

Hong also addressed past statements on policing. In a recent podcast she said she will not abolish the police and is “serious about public safety,” noting a shift from her 2020 tweet that police “exist to uphold white supremacy.” She said her views have changed after conversations with crime victims and community members. The controversy comes as Hong leads the Democratic primary, with polls showing her ahead of former state senator Mandela Barnes and other contenders, while Republican nominee Tom Tiffany has begun attacking her positions.

Hong’s campaign continues to defend the past comments as part of a broader dialogue on colonialism and public safety, while opponents argue the statements reveal radical views.