Full Breakdown
Francesca Hong’s “Cancel Thanksgiving” Post Revives Debate Ahead of Wisconsin Gubernatorial Primary
8/4/2026, 10:36:33 PM
Core Event
The post resurfaced during a CNN interview on Monday, when host Kaitlan Collins asked Hong whether she still believed the holiday should be abolished. Her campaign later issued a statement that she does not intend to cancel the holiday.
Background & Context
Hong, a former restaurant owner and member of the Wisconsin Assembly’s Socialist Caucus, entered the 2026 Democratic primary as the frontrunner for governor. She has drawn national attention for holiday-related social-media posts, including critiques of Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, the Fourth of July, Halloween and Christmas. The “cancel Thanksgiving” comment emerged amid a crowded primary field that, after the June 9 ballot finalization, left Hong, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, state Senator Kelda Roys and former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes on the ballot.
Timeline
- July 26 2026 – Republican candidate Tom Tiffany posted on X linking Hong to the Democratic Socialists of America.
- July 28 2026 – Tiffany shared a screenshot of Hong’s 2020 “cancel Thanksgiving” post.
- August 3 2026 – News outlets reported Hong facing scrutiny over the 2020 post.
- August 4 2026 – Tiffany reiterated criticism of Hong’s past statements.
- June 9 2026 – Wisconsin Elections Commission finalized the primary ballot.
- July 29 2026 – A Dane County judge upheld a rule preventing absentee-ballot voters from changing their choices after submitting a ballot.
Data & Statistics
- Internal polls released in July placed Hong more than 20 percentage points ahead of her nearest Democratic rival.
- Campaign finance filings show Hong has raised roughly $709,000 as of late June, compared with $250,000 raised by Crowley.
- The Democratic primary is scheduled for August; the general election will follow in November.
Official Statements & Responses
She added that “views can evolve.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “Do you still believe that Thanksgiving should be canceled?” — Kaitlan Collins, CNN host
- “I’m a chef, and one of the first meals that I made for the community when I was 16 was a Thanksgiving meal,” — Francesca Hong
- “But Thanksgiving is also a time that’s incredibly painful for many people in our communities,” — Francesca Hong
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Hong’s interview left observers divided on whether she still supports canceling Thanksgiving. No definitive clarification was offered during the broadcast, and the post itself remains deleted, limiting direct verification.
What’s Next
Voters will decide the Democratic nominee in the August primary. The Thanksgiving controversy is expected to remain a focal point in the November general election, where Republican opponents are likely to continue highlighting the 2020 post.
