Wisconsin Gubernatorial Candidate’s Stance on Policing Under Scrutiny

A Democratic socialist candidate for governor in Wisconsin, Francesca Hong, previously advocated to “defund, then abolish” the police following significant incidents involving law enforcement. Hong, a state representative, expressed these views on social media after the deaths of George Floyd and the shooting of Jacob Blake.

In August 2020, Hong stated, “I support defunding the police as a first step towards abolishing the police,” which was initially reported by CNN. Her remarks came amid national protests sparked by police actions.

Jacob Blake’s shooting in Kenosha, Wisconsin, after a domestic disturbance call, led to him being partially paralyzed. This incident contributed to civil unrest in 2020.

Hong’s comments resurfaced during her term as an elected official in October 2021, criticizing the decision not to charge Officer Rusten Sheskey, who was involved in Blake’s shooting. She questioned the use of force, saying, “How is 7 bullets in the back not excessive force… Defund then abolish.”

Despite her previous comments, Hong clarified to Fox News Digital that she does not intend to cut public safety resources. “There is no way I want to cut resources for public safety,” she said, emphasizing her concern over crime and power abuse by law enforcement.

Hong is competing in a primary election scheduled for August 11, facing contenders such as Mandela Barnes, who also has controversial views, including reducing the prison population and reforming bail systems.

Her campaign is endorsed by representatives like Ilhan Omar and Ro Khanna, drawing attention from Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany, who criticized her stance as radical. Tiffany pointed out Hong’s and Barnes’s positions, accusing them of prioritizing criminal protection over public safety.

The election outcome will likely pit the Democratic nominee against Tiffany, who remains a strong contender for the Republican ticket.