Wisconsin Democratic Frontrunner Francesca Hong’s campaign has drawn fire after admitting she posted a statement calling for the abolition of the U.S. Senate in February 2021—a message she now claims she no longer supports.
The post, which reads “Abolish the Senate,” remains active on X as of late last month and was published by Hong’s own campaign account. Hong’s team initially denied ever making such a statement but later acknowledged its existence, describing it as a frustrated reaction to President Trump’s second impeachment acquittal. That event occurred when 57 senators voted to convict him in his second impeachment trial, short of the two-thirds majority required for removal.
The campaign stated that Hong had forgotten writing the post and that it no longer reflects her current position. However, the documented existence of the message—made by their account itself—contradicts their initial denial. Hong’s team also claims she has discussed police and prison abolition as aspirational goals rather than policy priorities, asserting she does not support replacing the presidency or eliminating national borders and rejects most Democratic Socialists of America positions.
Despite being unendorsed by the national DSA organization, Hong’s campaign lists endorsements from local DSA chapters in Madison, Milwaukee, and northeastern Wisconsin. The controversy has emerged as Hong leads the Democratic primary race for governor, with a recent Marquette Law School Poll showing her at 38 percent among Democratic primary voters—over twenty points ahead of rivals including former lieutenant governor Mandela Barnes (16 percent) and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley (7 percent).
With Wisconsin’s August 11 gubernatorial primary approaching, the campaign faces a critical test in reconciling past statements with current policy positions.