Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial candidate Francesca Hong declined to rule out canceling Thanksgiving during a nationally televised CNN interview, reviving controversy over her 2020 social media posts calling for ending the traditional American holiday.
Candidate Defends Past Anti-Holiday Posts
Hong, a Democratic Socialist leading in primary polls ahead of the August 11 primary election, addressed her November 2020 post that stated: “Cancel Thanksgiving. Should have done this in 1621.” When asked directly by CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins whether she believed Thanksgiving should be canceled, Hong avoided a clear answer. Instead, she emphasized that “Thanksgiving is also a time that’s incredibly painful for many people in our communities,” while noting her background as a chef who prepared Thanksgiving meals for her community starting at age 16.
The same day as the CNN interview, Hong told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that her 2020 posts calling for ending Thanksgiving were part of a series of “jokes” she made years ago. The original post, which has since been deleted, criticized the holiday as “celebrating colonialism and the original superspreader event that killed indigenous folx and women.” Hong’s social media history includes similar criticism of Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and the Fourth of July.
Political Fallout in Swing State Race
Hong faces three other Democratic candidates in the primary for Wisconsin’s open gubernatorial seat. Governor Tony Evers, who has endorsed rival candidate David Crowley, issued a sharp rebuke through a spokeswoman: “Wisconsinites can’t afford for November to come down to the most extreme things Tom Tiffany and Francesca Hong have said online.” Republican frontrunner Tom Tiffany quickly responded on social media, stating: “Just so everyone knows where I stand, I won’t cancel Thanksgiving as governor.”
What This Means for Wisconsin Voters
The controversy highlights the challenge facing progressive candidates in swing states when past social media statements resurface during campaigns. Hong attempted to position her views as evolving, telling CNN that “views can evolve” and that her chef background would help her “bring more people to the table” as governor. Wisconsin voters will decide the Democratic nominee in five days, with the general election determining who leads a state that remains crucial in national politics. Hong’s campaign spokeswoman did not provide clarification on whether the candidate currently supports canceling Thanksgiving or considers it simply a cultural holiday that Americans should continue celebrating.