Wisconsin Gubernatorial Candidate Faces Scrutiny Over Past Police Statements

A Democratic socialist campaigning for the governor’s seat in Wisconsin, Francesca Hong, has faced criticism over statements advocating to “defund, then abolish” the police. These remarks followed the deaths of George Floyd and the shooting of Jacob Blake.

Hong, a Wisconsin state representative, expressed these views in several social media posts. In August 2020, first reported by CNN, Hong declared her support for defunding the police as a preliminary step toward abolition.

She remarked on X, formerly Twitter, “Jacob Blake is fighting for his life, but he shouldn’t have to be. We must also fight for his life and get justice for all those harmed by state-sanctioned violence.” Blake was shot seven times in Kenosha, Wisconsin, amid a police response to a domestic disturbance call, resulting in partial paralysis and igniting violent protests in 2020. During the altercation, Blake had a pocket knife that fell, which he retrieved before being shot.

In October 2021, as an elected official, Hong responded to the federal prosecutors’ decision not to charge Officer Rusten Sheskey, who was involved in Blake’s shooting. She questioned online, “How is 7 bullets in the back not excessive force? Police exist to uphold white supremacy. Defund then abolish. Reform can’t be an option. My heart breaks for the trauma the Blake family and their community continues to endure.”

In a statement to Fox News Digital, Hong appeared to retract her earlier comments but did not clarify her stance on defunding and abolishing the police as a potential governor. “There is no way I want to cut resources for public safety,” Hong expressed. “I don’t like crime. I don’t like unsafe streets. I also don’t like when a member of law enforcement abuses their power.”

Hong continued, emphasizing the need for comprehensive safety resources, including housing, well-paying jobs, mental health support, and community resources. “As governor, I will look at every part of the state and work with local leaders to shape solutions that address our immediate needs.”

Supported by Reps. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., and Ro Khanna, D-Calif., Hong is among several candidates in a competitive primary for the Democratic nomination in Wisconsin. The Primary Election Day is scheduled for August 11, with Hong contending closely with Mandela Barnes, a former Lieutenant Governor and 2022 Senate candidate.

Projected to face off against Rep. Tom Tiffany, R-Wis., the Republican frontrunner and House Freedom Caucus member, Tiffany criticized both candidates saying, “This is what today’s Democrat Party has become. Whether it’s Francesca Hong doubling down on abolishing the police or Mandela Barnes calling to empty prisons while pushing to end cash bail, they are both far-left radicals who care more about protecting criminals than the innocent people harmed by their crimes.”

Tiffany’s campaign also highlighted Barnes’ past actions, pointing to his posts advocating for halving the prison population and introducing legislation a decade ago to end cashless bail. Attempts to reach Barnes’ campaign for comment were unsuccessful. Alex Miller covers the U.S. Senate for Fox News Digital.