Francesca Hong’s “Cancel Thanksgiving” Comment Fuels Wisconsin Gubernatorial Primary Firestorm

Former Wisconsin state representative Francesca Hong, a chef-turned-politician and frontrunner for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, drew intense scrutiny after a 2020 social-media post called for “cancel Thanksgiving” because the holiday “celebrates colonialism” and she likened it to a pandemic that devastated Indigenous peoples. In a recent CNN interview, Hong said the post reflected “multiple views” that can evolve, emphasizing her hospitality background and the pain the holiday can cause many community members. The interview clip was widely shared online, with one upload approaching eight million views.

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Hong’s campaign centers on a progressive platform that includes a state Economic Justice Bill of Rights, a proposed state bank, and expanded public services such as universal childcare and education. She faces Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, state senator Kelda Roys, and Joel Brennan in the upcoming primary. Former lieutenant governor Mandela Barnes withdrew after workplace misconduct allegations, leaving Hong as the leading Democratic contender. While some establishment Democrats view the surge of democratic socialists as a localized phenomenon, other progressive figures argue it aligns with historic party values.

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New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani echoed this sentiment, linking modern progressive aims to the New Deal and the Four Freedoms.

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• “The Thanksgiving answer was so off the mark for what people view as ‘normal,'” — Jessica Taylor

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• “It’s answers like these than cause many to think if this chef wins the gubernatorial primary in WI, Ds may be cooked,” — Democrat David Axelrod, former obama adviser

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• “Voters all across the state, regardless of party, want someone who’s going to be able to deliver change and deliver help to solve the problems that they have…,” — Rep. Francesca Hong

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• “So much of what makes me proud to be a Democrat is looking at what our party used to stand for. You think about the Four Freedoms, you think FDR, you think the New Deal,” — Zohran Mamdani, new york mayor

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