Francesca Hong Confronts Questions on Policing Stance

Wisconsin’s Democratic socialist state representative, Francesca Hong, who is leading the Democratic primary race for governor, avoided direct answers regarding her past stance on abolishing police. The exchange unfolded when Politico reporter Jonathan Martin questioned her at Marquette University, Milwaukee, following a debate where she pledged to maintain law enforcement funding amid scrutiny over her earlier position.

“The current system is failing,” Hong stated. “Serious investments should go into proven crime prevention strategies.” Martin asked about her long-term view on police abolition. Hong sidestepped a clear answer, referencing “systems of care” and proposing a redirection of criminal justice funds before her campaign aide intervened.

“I aim to prioritize public safety as a governor,” Hong commented. “My focus is on building robust systems of care.” Her campaign’s communications director, Allison Geyer, clarified that Hong’s core beliefs on police and prison abolition remain intact, though her rhetoric has evolved.

During a recent forum, when moderators questioned Hong and her Democratic opponents about signing a state budget to reduce police funding, all five candidates expressed opposition. “The governor doesn’t possess the power to defund police,” Hong emphasized. “My commitment is to tackle public safety earnestly.”

The dialogue rekindled scrutiny of Hong’s 2020 remarks following Jacob Blake’s police shooting in Kenosha. In 2021, Hong, on social media, called for police abolition after federal prosecutors declined to charge the officer involved. She criticized the action as excessive force, arguing, “Police exist to uphold White supremacy, defund, then abolish.” She later addressed the controversy without reiterating support for police abolition, emphasizing, “I oppose cutting resources vital for public safety. I do not condone crime or unsafe environments.”

Further complicating matters, Hong could not recall her 2021 social media call to “Abolish the Senate” after its decision during President Trump’s impeachment proceedings. Her campaign platform champions support for alternatives like crime-prevention programs, reentry services, universal background checks, and safety measures. It does not advocate eliminating or defunding police departments.

Recent polling by Marquette Law School indicated Hong’s growing lead in the Democratic primary race, with 38% support among Democratic voters, up from the previous week. This rise causes alarm among Democrats regarding the upcoming contest against Republican Tom Tiffany.

Democratic strategist Joe Zepecki, although neutral in candidate support, criticized Republicans for their attempts to influence the Democratic process. He termed it as a covert effort to select an opponent they prefer for the November elections.

Joel Brennan, a fellow Democratic contender, echoed similar sentiments. He suggested advertising efforts aim to boost Hong’s visibility due to her perceived extreme positions that Republicans believe will weaken her in the general election.

The Republican Governors Association has invested heavily in ads branding Hong as excessively liberal, appealing to progressive voters but potentially alienating mainstream Wisconsin values.