Wisconsin Gubernatorial Candidate Faces Criticism Over Past Remarks on Race

Democratic socialist Francesca Hong, running for governor in Wisconsin, is under scrutiny for past comments on race and “whiteness” that have surfaced online, even involving references to her own family. Hong, who has served in the Wisconsin State Assembly since 2021, expressed concerns about her biracial son’s identity during a 2021 interview, mentioning his mixed Korean and white heritage.

As Hong campaigns for governor, previous posts and interviews have attracted renewed attention. These include critical comments regarding whiteness. The controversy has led to reactions online, with some figures expressing their discontent.

Fox News contributor Paul Mauro described her remarks as unsettling, while Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty president Rick Esenberg commented on the exhausting nature of such thinking. Fox News political analyst Guy Benson referred to the situation as “Weirdo racism.” Despite requests, Hong’s campaign did not provide an immediate response to inquiries from Fox News Digital.

Hong has allied with notable progressive figures like Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar and political commentator Hasan Piker, aligning her campaign with a broader national progressive movement. This association has led Republicans to argue that her campaign represents an extreme leftward shift.

Attention increased following an event requiring photo identification, prompting accusations of hypocrisy from those opposing voter ID laws. Wisconsin GOP gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany criticized Hong for her perceived contradictions, while Matt Henkel of Americans for Prosperity highlighted the use of photo ID at a socialist rally despite opposition to voter ID laws.

Past public statements have further fueled the criticism surrounding Hong. She has addressed issues related to her experiences, such as feeling anxious in predominantly white areas. In one instance, she described an encounter at a restaurant where she wanted to leave due to discomfort among “old white people.” Other posts have mentioned interactions with people questioning her ethnicity.

Hong has faced backlash for describing police as upholders of white supremacy, demanding their defunding and abolition. She expressed sorrow over the lasting trauma faced by Jacob Blake’s community. This adds to the array of issues challenging her campaign.

Ashley J. DiMella reports on political topics for Fox News Digital.