Wisconsin state Rep. Francesca Hong, a Democratic candidate for governor, is facing renewed scrutiny over her past social media activity as she leads in polling ahead of Tuesday's primary election. The socialist lawmaker has drawn criticism from both opponents and members of her own party over comments spanning several years.
Hong, 37, served as a ramen chef in Madison before being elected to the state legislature. She is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America and describes herself as an anti-capitalist. According to polling averages, she holds a lead among Democratic primary candidates ahead of the February 8 contest.
In a 2019 post on social media, Hong announced she was hosting a six-course dinner event titled 'Feast of the Feminine,' which she described as being inspired by menstruation. The post, made publicly available at the time, included details about food and beverages for attendees.
What the Right Is Saying
Critics argue that Hong's controversial remarks undermine her ability to appeal to general election voters in a battleground state. Conservative opponents point to multiple social media posts they characterize as inflammatory, including calls to cancel Thanksgiving and harsh critiques of local business groups.
Republican National Committee spokesperson statement read: 'Francesca Hong has spent years insulting Wisconsin families with radical socialist policies and personal attacks on their communities. Her out-of-touch agenda would be a disaster for the state economy.'
Conservative media outlets have highlighted comments Hong made criticizing being surrounded by 'too many old white people' at an establishment, as well as vulgar language directed at industry groups including the Tavern League of Wisconsin. Opponents argue these statements demonstrate poor judgment unsuited to statewide executive office.
What the Left Is Saying
Progressive supporters of Hong argue that her background as a restaurant owner and community organizer makes her uniquely positioned to address kitchen-table issues facing Wisconsin families. They note that she has championed policies including universal healthcare, affordable housing, and workers' rights during her time in the state legislature.
Hong's campaign has emphasized her commitment to bringing people together across differences. In a statement, her team noted her belief that 'hospitality and building community around the table' are central to good governance. Supporters argue her positions have evolved over time and point to her work passing legislation on kitchen worker protections as evidence of pragmatic progressivism.
Some progressive commentators have defended Hong against what they characterize as coordinated attacks from conservative media, arguing that Republican-aligned outlets are amplifying past statements to depress Democratic turnout ahead of the general election. They note that if elected, Hong would face Rep. Tom Tiffany in the general election contest for the governorship.
What the Numbers Show
According to polling aggregation from multiple surveys conducted in January 2026, Hong leads the Democratic primary field with approximately 28 percent support among likely Democratic voters, followed by other candidates in single digits to low double digits. The margin of error across these polls ranges from 4 to 6 percentage points.
Hong has served three terms in the Wisconsin State Assembly representing District 76, winning her most recent election with 72 percent of the vote in an uncontested race. She was first elected in 2020 as part of a wave of progressive candidates that year.
Governor Tony Evers, when asked about Hong's candidacy at a campaign event, expressed concerns about her focus on social media disputes. 'She spends a lot of time talking on Twitter,' Evers said, adding he hoped the next governor would prioritize issues like tornado recovery and infrastructure over what he characterized as online controversies.
The Bottom Line
The scrutiny over Hong's past remarks reflects broader tensions within Democratic politics about how candidates should balance progressive principles with electoral pragmatism. With early voting already underway and Election Day approaching, the outcome of Tuesday's primary will determine whether a self-described socialist advances to the general election in a state that has trended competitive in recent cycles.
If Hong wins the nomination, she would face Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany in the November general election. Wisconsin has not elected a Democratic governor since 2018, when Evers narrowly defeated incumbent Scott Walker. National party strategists from both sides are closely watching primary results for signals about down-ballot turnout and messaging strategies.
Hong's campaign has defended her record while acknowledging that some past statements could have been worded differently. Her team says she remains focused on kitchen-table issues including childcare, healthcare costs, and housing affordability regardless of online controversies.