This is a preposterous demand.
A leading Democrat running to become Wisconsin’s next governor is facing renewed criticism after appearing to stand by controversial comments about Thanksgiving, reigniting debate over one of America’s oldest and most cherished holidays.
Wisconsin State Rep. Francesca Hong, a Democratic socialist who is leading in polls for her party’s gubernatorial nomination, addressed her past remarks during a Monday appearance on CNN’s The Source with Kaitlan Collins. The interview quickly drew national attention after Collins asked Hong about a social media post in which she previously called for Thanksgiving to be canceled.
The exchange has once again placed the Thanksgiving holiday at the center of a broader cultural debate, with supporters arguing for a more critical look at American history while critics say the holiday remains an important tradition centered on family, gratitude, and community.
CNN Interview Revives Thanksgiving Controversy
During the interview, Collins asked Hong directly whether she still believed Thanksgiving should be canceled.
Instead of offering a simple yes-or-no response, Hong highlighted her experience as a chef and former restaurant owner, saying bringing people together over a shared meal has always been an important part of her life.
“I’m a chef,” Hong said, explaining that one of the first community meals she helped prepare as a teenager was a Thanksgiving dinner. She added that her years in the restaurant industry taught her the value of gathering people around the table to build relationships and strengthen communities.
However, Hong also reiterated that Thanksgiving represents something very different for many Americans.
She said the holiday can be “incredibly painful” for some communities because of its historical connections and argued that Americans should recognize there are multiple perspectives surrounding its origins.
Hong added that viewpoints can evolve over time and suggested her experience bringing people together through food would help her lead Wisconsin if elected governor.
While she emphasized unity and community, many critics noted that she stopped short of directly disavowing her earlier comments calling for the holiday to be canceled.
Deleted Thanksgiving Post Resurfaces
The renewed attention stems from a now-deleted social media post Hong published in November 2020.
In the post, she wrote:
“Cancel Thanksgiving. Should have done this in 1621.”
She went on to argue that Americans should stop celebrating what she described as colonialism, while referencing the devastating diseases that spread among Native American populations following European settlement.
Hong also used the term “folx,” a word commonly used by some progressive activists as an inclusive alternative to “folks.”
The post generated significant backlash when it was originally published and has resurfaced as her statewide campaign gains momentum.
For many conservatives, the comments remain a source of concern, particularly because Thanksgiving has long been viewed as a celebration focused on family, faith, gratitude, and American traditions rather than partisan politics.
Campaign Clarifies Hong’s Position
Following the CNN interview, Hong’s campaign sought to address the controversy.
A campaign spokesperson told Fox News Digital that Hong does not want to cancel Thanksgiving, despite the wording of her previous social media post.
Even with that clarification, critics argued her interview response failed to clearly explain whether her views had changed since 2020.
The discussion quickly spread across social media, where political commentators from across the ideological spectrum weighed in.
Some conservatives criticized what they viewed as an indirect answer, while supporters argued Hong was attempting to acknowledge differing historical perspectives without dismissing the importance of community gatherings.
More Past Social Media Posts Draw Attention
The Thanksgiving controversy is not the only example of Hong’s older social media activity resurfacing during the campaign.
Another widely shared post from 2019 showed Hong describing herself as being close to an anxiety attack while eating at a popular fast-food restaurant with her son.
As the Wisconsin governor’s race receives greater national attention, opponents have increasingly highlighted these earlier posts as part of a broader effort to question her judgment and political priorities.
Political observers say that trend is unlikely to slow as Election Day approaches.
Progressive Support Remains Strong
Despite the renewed controversy, Hong continues to receive significant backing from progressive organizations and national figures.
She is endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America and has received support from several prominent progressives, including Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, Rep. Ro Khanna of California, and political commentator Hasan Piker.
Analysts have also noted similarities between Hong’s policy positions and those promoted by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, another high-profile progressive Democrat.
Those endorsements have helped energize progressive voters, even as her critics argue some of her past statements could become a liability in a statewide election.
Wisconsin Governor Race Could Draw National Spotlight
Wisconsin is expected to remain one of the country’s most closely watched political battlegrounds, making the Democratic primary especially significant.
As voters begin paying closer attention to the candidates, Hong’s past comments on Thanksgiving are likely to remain part of the campaign conversation.
Supporters say she is encouraging Americans to examine history from multiple perspectives while continuing to emphasize community and inclusion. Critics counter that her previous call to “cancel Thanksgiving” reflects a broader progressive effort to challenge longstanding American traditions and values.
With the primary approaching, voters will ultimately decide whether the controversy influences the outcome of one of the nation’s most closely watched governor’s races.
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