Francesca Hong says Thanksgiving is her favorite holiday: ‘I don’t want to cancel it’

Wisconsin Gubernatorial Candidate Revises Thanksgiving Stance Amid Campaign

Provpnadvice.com – Francesca Hong, a Democratic socialist serving in the Wisconsin state legislature, has softened her position on Thanksgiving following renewed attention to a social media message she originally shared years ago. The professional chef and current candidate for governor told reporters that the holiday holds special meaning for her personally, despite her earlier call to reconsider its traditional observance.

During a conversation with a Politico reporter on Wednesday, Hong explained that Thanksgiving ranks among her preferred holidays. She acknowledged that her perspective has shifted over time, noting that people naturally adjust their views as circumstances change. The original message, which appeared on social media platforms in 2021, suggested that the nation should have abandoned the holiday celebration more than four centuries ago.

A Curmudgeon’s Holiday Perspective

Hong characterized herself as somewhat grumpy regarding celebrations in general, though she emphasized that her current priorities lie elsewhere. She pointed to the upcoming election cycle as a critical moment for Wisconsin Democrats to secure control of multiple branches of government simultaneously.

“I’m just going to be real, I’m kind of a curmudgeon when it comes to holidays in general,” Hong told the reporter. “But right now, what we want to get serious about is making sure we deliver a Democratic trifecta.”

The concept of a Democratic trifecta refers to the party holding the governorship alongside both chambers of the state legislature. Achieving this configuration would provide significant legislative momentum for Hong’s policy priorities and those shared by her party colleagues.

From Social Media Post to Campaign Issue

The Thanksgiving controversy gained fresh attention after Hong appeared on CNN on Monday to address the original message. During that appearance, she described the holiday as potentially difficult for numerous community members, particularly those whose families experienced displacement or hardship. The post, which has since been removed from her social media accounts, read simply: “Cancel Thanksgiving. Should have done this in 1621.”

Hong suggested that her original message might have been intended as humor rather than a serious policy position. She explained that her views evolved as she moved from different roles in public life to her current position as a gubernatorial candidate.

“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.”

Competing for Wisconsin’s Top Office

Hong is seeking to succeed Governor Tony Evers, who announced his intention to step down at the conclusion of his current term. The race has experienced notable developments, including the temporary withdrawal of former Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes following workplace misconduct allegations.

The August 11 primary election will feature several Democratic contenders, including Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, state Senator Kelda Roys, and businessman Joel Brennan. National progressive figures have thrown their support behind Hong’s campaign, including Representatives Ro Khanna from California and Ilhan Omar from Minnesota. Governor Evers has publicly endorsed Crowley instead.

Recent polling conducted by Marquette University Law School indicates Hong holds a commanding lead among Democratic voters. Her position at thirty-eight percent substantially exceeds Barnes’s sixteen percent, though the race remains competitive with multiple candidates still in contention.

DSA Affiliations and Policy Distinctions

As a member of Madison’s local Democratic Socialists of America chapter, Hong maintains connections to the broader progressive movement while distinguishing herself from the organization’s national leadership. Local DSA groups have endorsed her candidacy, yet she has emphasized her independence from national directives.

During the Wisconsin Democratic Party’s sole gubernatorial debate last month, Hong addressed one of the DSA’s signature policy positions regarding law enforcement funding. She made clear that she does not support eliminating police budgets and prefers substantive governance over catchy political messaging.

“The governor cannot defund police, and I’m not here to govern by slogan,” Hong stated during the debate.

The combination of her professional background as a chef, her legislative experience, and her progressive credentials positions Hong as a distinctive candidate in Wisconsin’s political landscape. Her ability to navigate between local DSA support and broader Democratic coalition building may prove crucial as the primary election approaches.