Francesca Hong urged canceling Thanksgiving in since-deleted post

Key Points:

• Francesca Hong, the likely Democratic nominee for Wisconsin governor and backed by the Democratic Socialists of America, previously called for canceling Thanksgiving, criticizing it as a celebration of colonialism and the spread of disease among Indigenous peoples.
• Hong's progressive platform includes race-based grants for social workers, publicly funded grocery stores, and a state-run bank, aligning her with other socialist-leaning politicians and appealing to working-class voters.
• Hong has faced online mockery over past social media posts, including one where she described feeling anxious at a Culver's restaurant due to the presence of "old white people," which critics say could hurt her statewide appeal.
• The gubernatorial race shifted after former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes dropped out amid allegations of workplace misconduct, leaving Hong and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley as the main contenders ahead of the August 11 primary.
• Hong has garnered significant national progressive support and raised nearly $709,000, while Crowley, endorsed by Gov. Tony Evers, has raised $250,000 and secured local backing.