Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has chosen not to endorse Francesca Hong in Wisconsin’s gubernatorial race, emphasizing the importance of current political positions over past statements.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez declined to endorse Francesca Hong, a Democratic gubernatorial candidate in Wisconsin, during a recent address. Ocasio-Cortez urged voters to concentrate on candidates’ current positions rather than their past political statements.
Hong, a Democratic state representative and self-identified democratic socialist, is vying for the Democratic nomination in Wisconsin’s primary election scheduled for August 11. This race has emerged as a significant test of how far the state’s Democratic Party can lean toward the progressive left.
In her remarks, Ocasio-Cortez acknowledged that some political rhetoric from the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic may have been excessive. She referred to that period as “Woke 1,” describing it as a unique political moment that influenced discussions on various issues, including criminal justice and public safety.
Hong is currently facing renewed scrutiny regarding her previous positions on policing and her comments about Thanksgiving. She has previously supported calls to abolish the police, and her earlier remarks about Thanksgiving have also attracted criticism. Following backlash, she later retracted her position on the holiday.
Despite the controversies surrounding her, Hong has emerged as a leading candidate in the Democratic primary. She is competing against several notable figures, including Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, former Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. CEO Missy Hughes, and state Sen. Kelda Roys, among others.
The primary is taking place in a politically divided state. Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, a Democrat, is not seeking a third term, resulting in open contests for both parties’ nominations for the governor’s mansion. Hong’s campaign has garnered attention beyond Wisconsin, largely due to her democratic socialist platform and her ties to the progressive movement. The race is increasingly viewed as a litmus test for whether a Bernie Sanders-style economic and political message can resonate in a competitive Midwestern state.
Ocasio-Cortez’s decision not to endorse Hong is particularly noteworthy given her prominent role within the national progressive movement. Alongside Sen. Bernie Sanders, she has chosen to support Abdul El-Sayed, a progressive candidate running for governor in Michigan, instead of endorsing Hong in Wisconsin.
For Ocasio-Cortez, the Wisconsin contest also coincides with her own uncertain political future. In a recent interview, she did not dismiss the possibility of a presidential campaign or a Senate bid in 2028, although she emphasized that her immediate focus remains on the upcoming 2026 midterm elections.
Wisconsin voters will determine the Democratic nominee on Tuesday, and the outcome could provide early insights into whether progressive candidates can broaden their appeal beyond traditional Democratic strongholds and effectively compete in closely divided states, according to The American Bazaar.