Wisconsin Gubernatorial Candidates Clash Over Thanksgiving Cancellation Post

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Francesca Hong faced scrutiny following the discovery of a deleted 2020 social media post in which she wrote, "Cancel Thanksgiving. Should have done this in 1621," describing the holiday as a celebration of colonialism. During a CNN interview with Kaitlan Collins, Hong declined to give a definitive answer on whether the holiday should be canceled. She noted that while she values bringing people together as a chef, Thanksgiving is "incredibly painful for many people in our communities."

Hong later told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that the post was one of several "jokes" made years ago. Republican candidate Tom Tiffany responded to the controversy on X, stating he would not cancel the holiday if elected governor. Governor Tony Evers' office criticized both Hong and Tiffany for their extreme online statements.