Story perspectives

AOC Declines Endorsement of Wisconsin Gov. Candidate Hong

8/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said on August 9 2026 she will not endorse Democratic gubernatorial candidate Francesca Hong.
Hong, a Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) member, leads Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley by double-digit points in the Wisconsin primary.
She said candidates should be judged on their current statements, not on past “Woke 1” rhetoric.
She clarified she belongs to the New York City DSA chapter and does not support the national platform’s police-abolition stance.

History

Historical Context

In the 2016 Democratic primary, Senator Bernie Sanders challenged establishment favorite Hillary Clinton, winning the New Hampshire primary on February 9, 2016 with 60.4% of the vote and earning 46% of pledged delegates. The Democratic Socialists of America backed his grassroots surge and decried DNC bias, a tension that resurfaces as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez declines to endorse Milwaukee candidate Francesca Hong, underscoring progressive influence on intra-party contests.

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Story summary

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said on August 9 2026 she will not endorse Democratic gubernatorial candidate Francesca Hong.
Hong, a Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) member, leads Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley by double-digit points in the Wisconsin primary.
She said candidates should be judged on their current statements, not on past “Woke 1” rhetoric.
She clarified she belongs to the New York City DSA chapter and does not support the national platform’s police-abolition stance.

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