Wisconsin Candidate Francesca Hong’s Past Remarks on Race Under Scrutiny

Democratic socialist and gubernatorial candidate Francesca Hong from Wisconsin is under renewed scrutiny due to her past remarks on race and ‘whiteness’. These remarks have re-emerged online, referencing even members of her own family.

In a 2021 interview with ListenMKE, Hong shared, “My proximity to whiteness continues, right… My son is biracial. He is half-white and half-Korean. I think navigating what his identity is and how people perceive him is always at the back of my mind as well.” Hong has served in the Wisconsin State Assembly since 2021.

A collection of Hong’s earlier statements and interviews have resurfaced as she campaigns for the governor’s seat in Wisconsin. These include comments critical of whiteness and touch upon race and identity.

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Governor candidate Francesca Hong addressed attendees at the Wisconsin Democrats convention on June 14, 2026, in Madison. This has attracted comments such as “This woman is not well,” from Fox News contributor Paul Mauro, “It must be exhausting to have to think like this,” from Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty president Rick Esenberg, and “Weirdo racism,” from Fox News political analyst Guy Benson.

Efforts to reach Hong’s campaign on Tuesday for her comments and the criticisms that followed did not yield immediate responses.

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At a campaign rally on August 2, 2026, Hong appeared with prominent figures like Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar and socialist commentator Hasan Piker. Her campaign is seen as linked to a national progressive movement, which Republicans claim is veering too far left.

The rally faced criticism after participants had to show photo ID, prompting accusations of hypocrisy given the left’s opposition to the SAVE Act’s voter ID policies.

“Add this to the growing list of Fran Flip-Flops: @FrancescaHongWI opposes voter ID, yet she’s requiring photo ID for her event with Ilhan Omar. You can’t make this up,” tweeted Wisconsin GOP gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany.

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Critics claim Hong has made anti-White remarks in past posts which have come to light recently. In a July 2019 post, she conveyed discomfort at a Culver’s in Black River Falls, remarking on the presence of “old white people” and an instance where she pretended there was no ice cream available to leave the place.

In May 2019, Hong posted about interactions with “old white dudes” asking about her origins, comparing her ramen bar experience to a customs kiosk.

“Police exist to uphold white supremacy. Defund then abolish. Reform can’t be an option. My heart breaks for the trauma the Blake family and their community continues to endure,” said Hong in October 2021.

Ashley J. DiMella, a political reporter for Fox News Digital, has detailed these developments.