Francesca Hong Scrutinized Over Past Abolish Police Claims

Democratic socialist candidate Francesca Hong, the frontrunner in Wisconsin's Democratic gubernatorial primary, faced renewed scrutiny this week over past statements advocating for the abolition of police and the U.S. Senate, as she sought to clarify her current positions on public safety and governance. The controversy intensified following a televised debate on July 28 and a viral interview with a national Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) official, putting Hong's past rhetoric at the center of the race.

At a debate on Tuesday, July 28, Hong and her four Democratic opponents were asked if they would sign a state budget cutting police funding. All five said they would not. "The governor cannot defund police, and I am not here to govern by slogan," Hong said during the event. "I am here to make sure I am the governor that's most serious about public safety."

However, after the debate, Hong was questioned by a reporter about her long-term views. When asked if she ultimately wanted to abolish police, she did not give a direct yes or no answer, instead criticizing the current criminal justice system. "This system is not working," Hong said. "If we want to be serious, we better...