SouthernWorldwide.com – Wisconsin state Representative Francesca Hong, a Democratic socialist vying for the governorship, has previously expressed support for abolishing the police.
Hong, in a series of social media posts, advocated for the cessation of policing in the aftermath of the killings of George Floyd and the shooting of Jacob Blake. These statements were made both before and during her tenure as an elected official.
In a post from August 2020, as initially reported by CNN, Hong stated, “I support defunding the police as a first step towards abolishing the police.” This sentiment was shared in the context of widespread protests following the death of George Floyd.
The article references a previous report highlighting a Democratic House hopeful’s past activism pushing to abolish the police weeks before a special election. This context underscores the emergence of such viewpoints within political discourse.
Regarding the shooting of Jacob Blake, Hong posted on X (formerly Twitter), “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.”
Jacob Blake was shot seven times in Kenosha, Wisconsin, after law enforcement responded to a domestic disturbance call. The incident resulted in Blake’s partial paralysis and ignited a period of significant protests in 2020.
During the altercation, Blake had a pocket knife that fell from his pocket, which he then picked up before being shot by officers.
Hong revisited the issue in October 2021, this time as an elected official. Her comments were in response to the federal prosecutors’ decision not to file charges against Officer Rusten Sheskey, who shot Blake more than a year prior.
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Another related headline points to a BLM activist leading resistance to a crime plan who had repeatedly called for abolishing the police, indicating a broader movement and discourse around this issue.
“How is 7 bullets in the back not excessive force,” Hong questioned online. She further asserted, “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.”
Hong clarified her stance on public safety, stating, “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.”
A separate report discusses Mandela Barnes’ entry into the Wisconsin governor’s race, noting the baggage from his 2022 Senate bid. This highlights the competitive landscape of the Democratic primary.
“Everyone deserves the resources they need to be safe, including housing, good-paying jobs, mental health supports and community resources,” Hong continued. “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, who has received endorsements from Representatives Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) and Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), is among several candidates competing for the Democratic nomination in Wisconsin. The primary election is scheduled for August 11, and Hong is engaged in a close contest with former Lieutenant Governor and 2022 Democratic Senate nominee, Mandela Barnes.
In reaction to these stances, an individual named Tiffany commented, “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.”
