Gubernatorial Candidate Defends Urging US to ‘Cancel Thanksgiving’

It appears Democratic socialist and former Wisconsin state Rep. Francesca Hong (D) was talking turkey when she urged the U.S. to “cancel Thanksgiving.” On Monday, the professional chef and possible Wisconsin…

Sandra RhodesAug 4, 20263 min read

PoliticsThanksgivingU.S. NewsWisconsin

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Hong’s answer really didn't answer Collins’ question, but focused on her being a chef would allow her her be a good governor.

“I always think my hospitality background and owning a restaurant for seven, eight years that bringing folks around the table to share conversation and build community is always a good thing,” she said. “I think my background as a chef will actually help me become a better governor that’s able to bring more people to the table.”

Republicans have been speaking out against the possibility of her becoming the Democratic nominee for governor in Wisconsin.

“The Thanksgiving answer was so off the mark for what people view as ‘normal,'” Jessica Taylor of the non-partisan Cook Political Report wrote on X.

“It’s answers like these than (sic) cause many to think if this chef wins the gubernatorial primary in WI, Ds may be cooked,” Democrat David Axelrodwrote Tuesday on X.

Hong’s top competitor, former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes (D-Wisc.), suspended his campaign following sexual misconduct allegations in the workplace.

Now Hong is going up against Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, state Sen. Kelda Roys (D-Wisc.) and Joel Brennan in the primary on Aug. 11.

Democratic progressives including Reps. Ro Khanna (Calif.) and Ilhan Omar (Minn.) are supporting Hong, who has pushed for a state Economic Justice Bill of Rights and proposed a state bank and free social services.

She has not received an endorsement from the Democratic Socialists of America. She does have support from several local chapters.

“Voters all across the state, regardless of party, want someone who’s going to be able to deliver change and deliver help to solve the problems that they have…,” Hong told The Hill Tuesday.

She said she is just as “frustrated” and “stressed” over the current state of Politics.

“So, what a democratic socialist and being a democratic socialist means to me is that I want the public goods,” she added. “Childcare should be a public good, and public education, the services that everyone uses, from utilities to the roads. But I want them to be better for them. And being a democratic socialist means that I’m focusing on things being unapologetically pro-public.”