Francesca Hong, a Democratic Socialist candidate for Wisconsin governor, is facing scrutiny after a deleted 2020 social-media post calling to "cancel Thanksgiving" resurfaced [1].
The controversy arrives during the 2026 Democratic gubernatorial primary, where Hong's views on American traditions are becoming a focal point for political opponents and national media.
Hong is backed by the Democratic Socialists of America [1]. The resurfaced post, originally shared in 2020 [1], stated, "Cancel Thanksgiving. Should have done this in 1621" [2]. This specific date refers to the first feast between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people.
During a recent interview on CNN, Hong defended her position. She said the holiday celebrates colonialism and the pandemic. She said that the cancellation of the tradition should have occurred as early as 1621 [1, 3].
Reports on Hong's current stance vary across media outlets. The New York Post reported on the controversy starting Aug. 2 [2]. Meanwhile, a video from The Hill noted that Hong struggled to provide a definitive "no" when asked if she still wants to cancel the holiday [4].
This is not the first time Hong's social media history has drawn attention during her campaign. The candidate has remained defensive regarding the post, framing her comments as a critique of historical systemic violence rather than a personal attack on holiday celebrations [3].
“"Cancel Thanksgiving. Should have done this in 1621,"”
The resurfacing of this post highlights the tension between the progressive wing of the Democratic Party and more moderate voters in Wisconsin. By framing a traditional holiday as a symbol of colonialism, Hong is signaling a commitment to a specific ideological base, but she risks alienating general election voters who view such positions as overly radical for a gubernatorial candidate.
