Forbes Grills Francesca Hong on Past Tweets, DSA Ties in Wisconsin Governor Race
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Summary
The Forbes Breaking News segment interviewed Wisconsin state Rep. Francesca Hong, the frontrunner in the August 11, 2026 Democratic primary for governor, about her campaign, DSA affiliation, and past statements. Hong discussed her support for Dr. Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan, the value of primaries, her platform of affordability, taxing the wealthy, fully funding schools, free childcare, and a moratorium on AI data centers. She responded to Bill Maher's criticism of democratic socialists, clarified she would not defund police or abolish prisons, and addressed opponent Tom Tiffany's attacks on her record.
Editorial Assessment
The interview provided a substantive look at Hong's evolution from activist rhetoric to pragmatic governing, correctly noting her deleted 2021 Thanksgiving post and earlier comments on a 'perfect world without prisons.' Viewers receive clear context on her current platform but miss deeper exploration of how her DSA-endorsed positions (local chapter) square with support for the Senate, Supreme Court expansion, and existing prisons. Hong's reframing of past views as 'aspirational' versus 'implementable' is reasonable but could be seen as walking back positions that won her endorsements. The framing highlights electability concerns in a battleground state without heavy partisan language. Overall, it is a fair adversarial interview that lets the candidate speak while pressing on inconsistencies.
Key Moments
Hong does not support abolishing prisons or defunding the police as governor.
Hong explicitly stated this in the interview and on her current campaign platform, though she previously expressed that a 'perfect world' would have no prisons and received endorsements citing support for abolition.
In a perfect world it would be a world without prisons, from a May statement.
Confirmed by contemporary reports and audio; Hong responded by distinguishing aspirational ideals from the practical role of governor focused on current public safety needs.
Hong called for Americans to cancel Thanksgiving, saying it should have been done in 1621.
The since-deleted 2020/2021 tweet has been widely reported by Fox News and others; Hong acknowledged the post, said views evolve, and emphasized her background as a chef who values community meals while noting the holiday is painful for some.
Wisconsin incarcerates more Black and brown men than any other state.
Supported by Sentencing Project and Wisconsin Policy Forum data showing Wisconsin has the nation's highest Black imprisonment rate (1 in 36 Black adults) with stark racial disparities.
Opponent Tom Tiffany has defunded healthcare, ripped food share from children, supported a national abortion ban, and is an election denier.
Tiffany voted against certifying the 2020 election, co-sponsored strict abortion limits, and opposed certain ACA expansions and food assistance measures; phrasing reflects Democratic critique but aligns with his congressional record.
Notable Concerns
- Reliance on resurfaced old tweets without full original context or discussion of how many similar statements exist
- Limited examination of Hong's specific legislative record as a state representative beyond campaign talking points
Sources Consulted
- Francesca Hong For Governor Campaign Site
- Wisconsin gubernatorial and lieutenant gubernatorial election, 2026
- Francesca Hong urged canceling Thanksgiving in since-deleted post
- Wisconsin imprisons 1 in 36 Black adults. No state has higher rate
- Democratic socialists face a prove-it moment in Wisconsin
- Wisconsin Dems are in chaos over their governor race
- Tom Tiffany record on abortion and 2020 election