Francesca Hong Faces Renewed Scrutiny Over Past Comments

Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate Francesca Hong is experiencing renewed attention over previous statements about race and “whiteness.” In past remarks, Hong discussed her biracial son, who is half-Korean and half-white, and how his identity and people’s perceptions of him influence her thoughts. Hong, a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly since 2021, made these comments during a 2021 interview with ListenMKE.

As Hong campaigns for governor, past social media posts and interviews have resurfaced, reigniting criticism of her views on race and identity. Her statements, often critical of “whiteness,” have drawn comments from various public figures. Fox News contributor Paul Mauro remarked negatively about her mindset. Rick Esenberg, president of the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty, noted how exhausting such considerations must be. Fox News analyst Guy Benson termed Hong’s views as “weirdo racism.” Hong’s campaign did not immediately respond to inquiries regarding these criticisms.

Additionally, Hong’s campaign has linked her with prominent progressive figures such as Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar and political commentator Hasan Piker. Hong’s alignment with the national progressive movement has been scrutinized by Republicans for being too far left. A recent rally required attendees to show photo ID, sparking accusations of hypocrisy given the left’s stance on the SAVE Act’s voter ID provision. Tom Tiffany, a Wisconsin GOP gubernatorial candidate, criticized Hong for opposing voter ID yet requiring it for her event.

Renewed criticism arose after resurfaced posts were seen as expressing anti-white sentiments. In one instance, Hong described feeling anxiety surrounded by “old white people” at a Culver’s in Black River Falls. In another post, she expressed frustration over being questioned about her origins at her ramen bar. Furthermore, an October 2021 remark from Hong argued that police uphold white supremacy and should be abolished.

Ashley J. DiMella reports on politics for Fox News Digital.