Former Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker expressed concerns about the political landscape in Wisconsin. He targeted democratic socialist Francesca Hong, suggesting her campaign might falter due to her controversial past and evolving views.

Hong, a state representative, leads the Democratic field in the upcoming primary. Known for her progressive policies, she recently stirred debate with posts about abolishing the police and Thanksgiving. Her 2020 post declared, ‘Cancel Thanksgiving. Should have done this in 1621.’ She later said her views have evolved, calling Thanksgiving her ‘favorite’ holiday.

Well one, I think it’s a sign she’ll say just about anything to get elected, said Walker, now president of Young America’s Foundation. He noted that as the primary nears, her previous statements may alienate voters.

Walker criticized Hong’s past comments on social media, where she showed disdain for Wisconsin cultural staples like Christmas and cheese curds. He believes this disconnect could impact her general election chances. He argues Hong may undermine her appeal by retreating from controversial stands that attracted primary voters.

Walker, Wisconsin’s last Republican governor, served from 2010 to 2018, surviving a recall but losing a third-term bid in 2018. Despite establishment Democrats’ efforts, Hong remains a polling favorite.

David Crowley, Milwaukee County executive, commented that Republicans prefer facing Hong in the general election. The winner of the Democratic primary will compete against Trump ally Tom Tiffany.

Hong insists she’s not extreme, though she hasn’t secured Senator Bernie Sanders’ endorsement. At a senior center event, she emphasized the need for bold transformative change to build a broad Democratic coalition.

Walker described the rise of democratic socialism in the U.S. as a choice between common sense and dangerously crazy. He linked it to radical ideas like abolishing police and eliminating prisons.

Walker reflected on the upcoming 40th anniversary of President Ronald Reagan’s Berlin Wall speech. He stressed remembering why these barriers to freedom fell, underscoring the failures of democratic socialism in Venezuela and communism in the Soviet Union.

He attributed the appeal of democratic socialism to shifting primary voter dynamics, college campus liberalism, and young adults’ frustrations over housing and economic opportunities.