Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate Francesca Hong defends past “cancel Thanksgiving” post, says “views can evolve”

Francesca Hong, a Democratic socialist and former Wisconsin state representative running for Wisconsin governor, defended a past social media post that urged the public to “cancel Thanksgiving,” according to a report by The Hill. Hong said the message reflected her earlier thinking, but she argued that “views can evolve,” framing her remarks as consistent with an evolving agenda rather than a fixed personal position.

In the interview referenced by the report, Hong also described Thanksgiving as a holiday that is “incredibly painful for many people,” linking her earlier “cancel Thanksgiving” call to a broader critique of how major cultural traditions can affect Americans differently. The report characterizes Hong as leaning further into that progressive framing as her gubernatorial effort has gained traction.

Hong’s public comments on the post come amid heightened scrutiny that frequently surrounds candidates who have used blunt language on cultural and political issues, particularly as Wisconsin voters weigh candidates in a statewide race. The Hill report places Hong’s defense in the context of her current campaign for governor, indicating that the earlier post has become part of the debate about her priorities.

The report identifies Hong as a professional chef and a former Wisconsin state lawmaker, noting that she has attempted to distinguish between endorsing a message at a specific moment and allowing her views to develop over time. Hong’s position, as described, does not erase the earlier message, but it emphasizes that her perspective is not meant to be interpreted as permanently locked or unchangeable.

As Hong continues to campaign, her defenders and critics are likely to focus on two related issues: the substance of the original “cancel Thanksgiving” argument and whether a candidate can credibly narrow, refine, or contextualize prior statements without changing course on policy goals. The Hill report says Hong’s defense is intended to show continuity in her broader approach while acknowledging personal growth or shifting emphasis.

Neither The Hill report nor the available summary in this discovery packet describes any formal governmental action tied to the “cancel Thanksgiving” remarks, such as changes to state policy, legislation, or agency guidance. The matter, as presented, is centered on speech and political messaging by a candidate rather than an official government decision.

The next practical step for the campaign, as reflected by the reporting, is how Hong responds to continued questions about the original post and how she explains her approach to cultural traditions in a statewide general-election environment. The debate over her language may also serve as a proxy for larger disagreements among Wisconsin voters about how government and public life should address sensitive social and economic issues.