Wisconsin Democrat Francesca Hong’s “Cancel Thanksgiving” Post Returns Before Primary

Breaking

Wisconsin state Representative Francesca Hong, a Democratic Socialists of America-backed candidate for governor, is confronting renewed criticism over a now-deleted social media post in which she urged Americans to stop celebrating Thanksgiving. The post resurfaced as Hong emerged as a leading contender in Wisconsin’s Democratic gubernatorial primary.

“Cancel Thanksgiving. Should have done this in 1621,” Hong wrote in the original message. She continued by calling the holiday a celebration of colonialism and describing the first Thanksgiving as a deadly “superspreader event.” The comments were initially published during the COVID-19 pandemic but have returned to public attention as voters examine Hong’s record and political philosophy.

Details & Background

Hong has embraced her identity as a democratic socialist and described her political agenda as an effort to ensure that working-class people receive what she considers their fair share. Her platform reportedly includes race-based grants for social workers, publicly funded grocery stores and the creation of a state-operated bank. Those proposals place her within the same expanding progressive movement that has elevated socialist politicians in other major Democratic jurisdictions.

Her campaign gained additional momentum after former Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes withdrew from the race, leaving Hong and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley as the primary’s two principal contenders. Outgoing Democratic Governor Tony Evers endorsed Crowley, citing his experience, while Hong received support from nationally prominent progressives, including Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar and California Representative Ro Khanna.

Reactions

The resurfaced Thanksgiving post quickly drew criticism and mockery from conservative commentators and political observers. One writer pointed to Hong’s use of the word “folx,” a progressive variation of “folks” sometimes used to emphasize gender inclusivity. Another observer wrote that Hong appeared close to winning the Democratic nomination despite previously arguing that Thanksgiving should be canceled.

Former White House Principal Deputy Communications Director Alex Pfeiffer also criticized a separate resurfaced post in which Hong described feeling anxious inside a Wisconsin Culver’s because she saw “too many old white people” who she believed did not think her family spoke English. Critics said the message could prove damaging for a candidate attempting to appeal to voters across a state with large rural, working-class and elderly populations.

Why This Matters to You

Thanksgiving is more than a meal or a date on the calendar. For millions of Americans, it is a day of prayer, gratitude, family reunion and reflection on the blessings of living in a free country. The holiday has endured wars, economic hardship, political division and cultural change because its central message remains timeless: Americans should pause and give thanks.

Hong’s post matters because candidates often reveal their governing instincts through the traditions they criticize and the language they use. Calling for Thanksgiving to be canceled is not a detailed policy proposal, but it reflects an ideological framework that views foundational American customs primarily through the lens of oppression and colonialism. Voters are entitled to consider whether that perspective represents their values.

The controversy also comes as democratic socialism gains influence inside the Democratic Party. Hong’s campaign is not centered solely on cultural criticism. Her support for government-run grocery stores, a state bank and race-conscious public programs suggests a broad willingness to give government a larger role in economic and social life. Those proposals deserve careful public examination, including honest estimates of their costs, legal implications and effects on private businesses.

Wisconsin’s government should be focused on public safety, affordable living, strong schools, dependable infrastructure and opportunities for working families. State leaders should also respect the cultural and religious traditions that unite residents rather than treating those customs as problems to be eliminated. A governor represents the entire state, including citizens who reject socialist ideology and remain proud of America’s history despite acknowledging its imperfections.

Hong’s campaign will now have to explain whether she still believes Thanksgiving should be canceled and how her earlier statements relate to the agenda she would pursue in office. The ultimate judgment belongs to Wisconsin voters, but the resurfaced post provides them with meaningful information before they make that decision. In an era when politicians frequently delete controversial messages, the public record remains essential to understanding what candidates believed before they began asking for statewide power.