Wisconsin state Rep. Francesca Hong, known for her democratic socialist views, faced questions about her stance on police abolition during a campaign event at Marquette University. Despite past calls to abolish police, she now emphasizes preserving law enforcement funding while advocating for ‘systems of care’ and redirecting criminal justice resources.

When asked if she continued to support long-term police abolition, Hong avoided a direct response. Instead, she focused on public safety and building supportive systems. Her communication director, Allison Geyer, clarified that Hong views police and prison abolition as an aspirational goal, comparing it to eliminating poverty.

During a debate, Hong and four other Democratic candidates confirmed they would not support a state budget cutting police funding. Hong stated that her goal as governor is ensuring public safety without resorting to slogans.

“The governor cannot defund police, and I am not here to govern by slogan,” Hong emphasized.

Hong’s comments in response to the 2020 Kenosha police shooting resurfaced, where she criticized the incident as excessive force and called for police abolition. Although she avoided revisiting her stance, she reiterated her commitment to public safety.

Her campaign platform supports noncarceral crime-prevention programs, universal background checks, and other regulatory measures, while not explicitly advocating for abolishing police departments.

Recent polls show Hong leading the Democratic primary, causing concern among some Democrats about her electability against Republican Tom Tiffany. Democratic strategist Joe Zepecki criticized Republican efforts to influence the Democratic primary by promoting Hong’s candidacy.

Joel Brennan, another Democratic contender, argued that Hong’s positions on defunding police and other issues are out of step with mainstream values, potentially benefiting Republicans in November.