A Democratic socialist vying for governor in Wisconsin previously advocated for defunding and ultimately abolishing the police. Wisconsin state Representative Francesca Hong made these calls on social media, following the deaths of George Floyd and the shooting of Jacob Blake, both before and during her tenure in office.
In a post from August 2020, first reported by CNN, Hong stated, “I support defunding the police as a first step towards abolishing the police.” She expressed concern over Jacob Blake’s condition, stating, “Jacob Blake is fighting for his life, but he shouldn’t have to be. We must also fight for his life and get justice for all those harmed by state-sanctioned violence.” Blake was shot seven times in Kenosha, Wisconsin after police responded to a domestic disturbance, which left him partially paralyzed and led to violent protests in 2020.
The incident involved Blake having a pocket knife that fell from his pocket during the altercation, which he picked up before the shooting occurred. Hong revisited the issue in October 2021, criticizing federal prosecutors’ decision not to charge Officer Rusten Sheskey, who had shot Blake. She commented online, “How is 7 bullets in the back not excessive force? Police exist to uphold white supremacy. Defund then abolish. Reform can’t be an option. My heart breaks for the trauma the Blake family and their community continues to endure.”
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Hong seemed to recede from those remarks but did not clarify whether she would pursue defunding and abolishing the police if elected governor. She said, “There is no way I want to cut resources for public safety. I don’t like crime. I don’t like unsafe streets. I also don’t like when a member of law enforcement abuses their power.”
Hong emphasized, “Everyone deserves the resources they need to be safe, including housing, good-paying jobs, mental health supports, and community resources. As governor, I will look at every part of the state and work with local leaders to shape solutions that address our immediate needs.”
Hong, endorsed by Representatives Ilhan Omar and Ro Khanna, is one of many candidates in the Democratic primary in Wisconsin. With the primary election set for August 11, Hong faces tough competition from former Lieutenant Governor and 2022 Democratic Senate nominee Mandela Barnes. The primary winner will likely face Representative Tom Tiffany, a member of the House Freedom Caucus and leading Republican contender.
Tiffany criticized both candidates in a statement to Fox News Digital, saying, “This is what today’s Democrat Party has become. Whether it’s Francesca Hong doubling down on abolishing the police or Mandela Barnes calling to empty prisons while pushing to end cash bail, they are both far-left radicals who care more about protecting criminals than the innocent people harmed by their crimes.” Tiffany’s campaign also referenced Barnes’ older posts supporting cuts to the prison population and ending cash bail.
Fox News Digital sought comment from Barnes’ campaign but received no immediate response.
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