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Democrat Rising Star’s Answer to Thanksgiving Question Tanks

Democrat Rising Star’s Answer to Thanksgiving Question Tanks

A campaign that had appeared to be cruising toward a primary victory suddenly found itself dealing with an old controversy after Wisconsin Assembly member Francesca Hong was pressed about a deleted social media post calling for the cancellation of Thanksgiving.

Hong, who has been leading in polling ahead of Wisconsin’s Aug. 11 Democratic gubernatorial primary, entered a CNN interview in a strong political position. A July 29 Marquette Law School poll showed her with 38 percent support, well ahead of former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes at 16 percent. With backing from the Democratic Socialists of America and momentum from a series of left-wing primary victories across the country, there appeared to be little reason to expect a difficult interview.

That changed when CNN host Kaitlan Collins raised a post Hong made in 2021 on what was then Twitter.

In the post, Hong wrote, “Cancel Thanksgiving. Should have done this in 1621.”


She continued by describing Thanksgiving as “the original superspreader event that killed indigenous folx and women.” Although the post has since been deleted, Collins noted that Republicans have been highlighting it and asked Hong directly whether she still believed Thanksgiving should be canceled.

Hong did not offer a direct yes-or-no answer.

Instead, she began by recalling that one of her first experiences as a chef involved preparing a Thanksgiving meal before shifting to a broader discussion about the holiday. She said Thanksgiving can be “incredibly painful for many people in our communities” and argued that there are different perspectives surrounding its history.


“I wanted to make sure that people understood that there are multiple views, but views can evolve,” Hong said.

She then connected her culinary background to her campaign, saying her experience as a chef would help her become “a better governor that’s able to bring more people to the table.”


The response immediately drew criticism from conservatives, who argued that it sidestepped the central question rather than addressing whether she still stood by her earlier remarks. Rather than clarifying her current position, critics contended that the answer left more uncertainty than it resolved.

CNN contributor Scott Jennings also weighed in on social media, suggesting the comments would be well received by many Democratic activists despite the controversy. “This would get a standing ovation at the next Democrat national convention,” he wrote.


The exchange has become part of a broader debate over the direction of the Democratic Party and the positions embraced by some of its rising progressive figures. Critics argue that views once considered politically fringe have become more common within segments of the party, while supporters maintain that reexamining historical narratives is both appropriate and necessary.

Whether the interview has any lasting effect on the race remains to be seen. Hong continues to hold a sizable polling advantage heading into the Democratic primary, but the renewed attention on her deleted Thanksgiving post gives opponents fresh material as the campaign enters its final stretch.

Written by Mark Stevens - August 5, 2026