Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate Francesca Hong retracts Thanksgiving cancellation tweet

By the Editorial Team · Friday, August 7, 2026

Francesca Hong, a Democratic contender in Wisconsin’s gubernatorial primary, retracted a 2020 tweet calling for the cancellation of Thanksgiving after it resurfaced and drew criticism during her campaign. The incident underscores the difficulty political candidates face in balancing cultural sensitivity and voter appeal, as Hong’s changing statements have sparked debate over her consistency and message.

Francesca Hong, a Democratic candidate in Wisconsin’s upcoming gubernatorial primary, has retracted a controversial tweet from 2020 in which she called for the cancellation of Thanksgiving. The tweet, which criticized the holiday for celebrating colonialism and referenced the impact on Indigenous peoples, resurfaced amid her campaign, prompting renewed scrutiny.

Hong’s original tweet stated, “Cancel Thanksgiving. Should have done this in 1621. If it takes a worldwide pandemic for us to realize we should stop celebrating colonialism and the original superspreader event that killed Indigenous folx and women so be it.” The message prompted backlash for its language and viewpoint, especially its characterization of the holiday.

When questioned about the tweet in a recent CNN interview, Hong described Thanksgiving as “incredibly painful for many people in our communities,” reflecting her perspective that the holiday carries complex historical connotations. She also referenced her background as a chef and restaurant owner, noting that preparing Thanksgiving meals has been part of her professional and community experience.

However, by midweek, Hong shifted her stance during an interview with Politico, emphasizing that Thanksgiving is among her favorite holidays and stating, “I don’t want to cancel it. I actually love it.” This reversal drew criticism from some political commentators, including former Obama adviser David Axelrod, who suggested that the candidate’s inconsistent messaging could harm her chances in the Democratic primary.

Hong’s remarks come as she seeks to appeal to a broad electorate in Wisconsin while navigating debates around historical memory and cultural sensitivity. Supporters argue that acknowledging the pain associated with Thanksgiving is part of a broader effort to address Indigenous history and colonial legacies. Critics, meanwhile, have labeled her earlier comments as divisive and out of step with mainstream views on the holiday.

The controversy highlights the challenges candidates face in addressing sensitive cultural issues while maintaining political viability. Hong remains a prominent figure in the Democratic primary, with her positions on social and cultural matters continuing to generate discussion as the race progresses.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.