Francesca Hong Discusses Lack of Endorsement from AOC and Bernie Sanders

Wisconsin Democratic socialist gubernatorial primary candidate Francesca Hong addressed questions on Monday about why prominent progressive figures such as U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders did not endorse her in the upcoming primary.

Hong expressed admiration for both politicians, acknowledging their efforts to secure Democratic victories in Congress and the Senate during the midterms. She stated, “I have so much respect for the senator and the congresswoman, as they tirelessly work to ensure that we can flip Congress and the Senate and win Democrats’ seats in the midterms. I look forward to having conversations with them about that.”

When asked whether the lack of endorsement suggests doubt in her chance to win, Hong clarified that a gubernatorial race differs from federal elections.

Hong’s campaign has garnered confidence among her supporters, who view her as a solution to affordability challenges in Wisconsin. She is competing in the primary alongside Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, state Sen. Kelda Roys, and former Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Administration Joel Brennan.

During an ABC interview on Sunday, Ocasio-Cortez responded to a question about endorsing Hong by explaining her focus on reclaiming the Congress and Senate. “No, I haven’t endorsed in that race. My focus has been on winning back the Congress, winning back the House, and positioning ourselves to have the best chance possible to win the Senate,” she explained.

Ocasio-Cortez also touched on Hong’s past controversial remarks. She noted that Hong appears to have clarified her current positions for her constituents, remarking, “What’s important is assessing what a candidate is saying now.” Hong, a member of Democratic Socialists of America, emphasized her determination to address economic issues affecting the working class. “People are becoming aware of an economy rigged against working-class individuals,” she said. Hong aims to implement measures like taxing the ultrarich, enacting a moratorium on data centers, raising wages, advocating for universal childcare, and enhancing funding for public schools.