The high-stakes Democratic primary in Wisconsin is drawing attention as establishment Democrats face off against Francesca Hong, a candidate backed by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). Former Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker and host Harris Faulkner shed light on Hong’s policies, which include her contentious stance on Thanksgiving and other issues.

Hong, currently a state representative, previously described America as having ‘an abundance of suffering’ and expressed a desire to transform the nation into a place of opportunity. In a 2022 post, she emphasized the need for equal rights for Black and Brown communities.

“I want this country to stop being an abundance of suffering but a wealth of opportunity,” Hong’s post read. “We can do this by providing equal rights to Black and Brown folks.”

Hong’s social media posts have sparked debates. A now-deleted post called for the cancellation of Thanksgiving, criticizing it for celebrating colonialism and the spread of smallpox among Indigenous populations. Despite her online controversies, Hong strives to secure the Democratic gubernatorial nomination.

In past comments, Hong has expressed discomfort in predominantly White spaces, and has been vocal in the aftermath of events like the Jacob Blake shooting, pushing for the abolition of policing as it is currently known. Her team states that her core values remain unchanged, though her rhetoric may have evolved.

In response to these controversies, Hong remains focused on addressing voter concerns. During campaigns, she maintains her focus on issues significant to the electorate, acknowledging the limitations of gubernatorial power concerning police funding.

As the primary approaches, the political and ideological debates surrounding Hong will likely continue to resonate in Wisconsin and beyond, testing the influence of socialist platforms within the Democratic Party.