Topic overview
In brief
- Francesca Hong, a Democratic gubernatorial candidate in Wisconsin, faced backlash for a 2020 post advocating to cancel Thanksgiving.
- The post criticized the holiday as a celebration of colonialism and referenced the impact of diseases on indigenous populations.
- Hong's campaign is gaining momentum, but her controversial statements may influence voter perceptions ahead of the primary.
Summary
In Wisconsin, Francesca Hong, a Democratic gubernatorial candidate, has come under scrutiny for a post she made in 2020 advocating for the cancellation of Thanksgiving. The post resurfaced recently, leading to significant backlash from various political commentators and social media users. In her now-deleted tweet, Hong suggested that the holiday should have been canceled in 1621, arguing that it symbolizes colonialism and the spread of diseases that devastated indigenous populations. This statement has drawn criticism, particularly from conservative circles, who have highlighted her use of inclusive language, such as 'folx,' which is often associated with LGBTQ+ communities.
Hong, who is backed by the Democratic Socialists of America, has been gaining momentum in her campaign, positioning herself as a champion for working-class individuals. Her platform includes proposals for race-based grants for social workers, publicly funded grocery stores, and the establishment of a state-run bank. These progressive stances have garnered support from notable figures like Representatives Ilhan Omar and Ro Khanna, and she has raised a substantial amount of campaign funds, nearing $709,000 as of late June.