Democratic socialist Francesca Hong, a candidate for Wisconsin governor, is under scrutiny due to past remarks about race and whiteness. Hong, who has served in the Wisconsin State Assembly since 2021, made comments in a 2021 interview with ListenMKE about her biracial son and his mixed identity.
Recent attention has focused on Hong’s past social media posts and interview clips, prompting criticism over her comments on race and identity. Critics have labeled her remarks as critical of whiteness, which have resurfaced as she campaigns for governor.
“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 said during an interview.
Fox News contributor Paul Mauro, Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty president Rick Esenberg, and Fox News political analyst Guy Benson have commented negatively on her remarks. Hong’s campaign has not yet responded to requests for comment from Fox News Digital.
The scrutiny of Hong comes as she aligns with prominent progressive figures, campaigning alongside Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar and socialist commentator Hasan Piker. Her candidacy ties closely with a national progressive movement, which Republicans argue is too extreme.
At a recent rally, attendees were required to show photo ID, leading to accusations of hypocrisy regarding voter ID laws. Critics, including Wisconsin GOP gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany, have pointed out these contradictions.
Hong’s past social media posts express sentiments that some perceive as anti-white. One post from July 2019 mentioned leaving a Culver’s restaurant due to feeling uncomfortable among patrons she described as “old white people.” Another post from May 2018 referenced being questioned about her origins at her ramen bar.
In October 2021, Hong made a statement regarding police, stating, “Police exist to uphold white supremacy. Defund then abolish. Reform can’t be an option.” This statement has contributed to the controversy surrounding her viewpoints.
Ashley J. DiMella reports on politics for Fox News Digital.
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