Defund Then Abolish: A Democratic Candidate’s Bold Stance in Wisconsin’s Gubernatorial Race
A Shift in Political Priorities
Defund then abolish – Francesca Hong, a 37-year-old state representative and democratic socialist, has positioned herself as a key figure in Wisconsin’s Democratic primary for governor. Her campaign emphasizes a progressive agenda, but it has also drawn attention for its commitment to police abolition—a stance that diverges from recent trends within the party. While many Democratic leaders have softened their positions on defunding police following the 2020 election, Hong has consistently called for the complete dismantling of law enforcement systems, according to a CNN KFile analysis of her social media activity, interviews, and public statements.
“Defunding the police as a first step towards abolishing the police,” Hong wrote on X in 2020, framing her support for the movement as a long-term goal. By 2021, her rhetoric had evolved further, with her stating that “police exist to uphold white supremacy. Defund then abolish. Reform can’t be an option.” This bold declaration has placed her at the center of a debate within the Democratic Party over the balance between immediate action and systemic change.
Hong’s position is particularly striking in a state where the political landscape has shifted in response to public pressure. After Democratic mayors in cities like Minneapolis and Seattle initially embraced defunding police, they later retreated from the idea, signaling a broader trend of moderation. Yet Hong remains steadfast, refusing to backtrack on her calls for abolition. Her campaign’s emphasis on this issue has raised questions about her appeal to a statewide electorate that includes both urban and rural voters.
A Democratic Primary with Diverse Voices
The race for Wisconsin’s governorship features a crowded field of Democratic contenders, including Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez, former Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, and State Senator Kelda Roys. According to a March Marquette Law School poll, Hong and Barnes are the only candidates with double-digit support, currently at 14% and 11%, respectively. A significant portion of potential Democratic voters—65%—remain undecided, highlighting the challenges of rallying a unified base around a controversial platform.
Barnes, a former state senator, faced similar scrutiny in his 2022 Senate race when his past support for reducing police funding became a point of contention. His campaign initially defended him by stating he “does not support abolishing ICE or defunding the police.” However, Hong has maintained her original stance, stating that her views are “part of a wider conversation around police abolition” rooted in her belief that “the current system is not working.” While she acknowledges the need for pragmatic approaches, she argues that the existing model of policing is inefficient and unsustainable.
Asked directly if she still supported police abolition, Hong responded in a statement to CNN: “While I envision a world where public safety is not synonymous with law enforcement, I recognize that this paradigm shift is a very long-term vision. My focus is building systems of care for now and for our future.” This framing allows her to align with progressive ideals without alienating more centrist Democrats, though her commitment to the movement remains evident in her public pronouncements.
National Reckoning with Defund the Police
The Democratic Party’s internal debate over the defund movement gained momentum after the 2020 election, when many Democrats struggled to win House races and lost seats to Republicans. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s remark that “defund the police is dead” in 2022 marked a turning point, as candidates across the country began to distance themselves from the slogan. Despite this, Hong has not abandoned her advocacy, a decision that has drawn both support and criticism within her party.
Her persistence mirrors a broader challenge for Democrats: reconciling grassroots activism with electoral strategy. While figures like Abdul El-Sayed, a Michigan Senate candidate, removed defund-related posts to broaden their appeal, Hong has chosen to keep her rhetoric intact. This choice reflects her alignment with democratic socialists who prioritize structural transformation over incremental reforms. Yet it also underscores the tension between ideological purity and pragmatic governance, a dilemma that has shaped the party’s approach to policing policy in recent years.
Republican Strategies and Public Perception
Republicans have seized on Hong’s position as a tool to critique the Democratic Party’s direction. The Secure America Act, recently championed by Senate Republicans, includes provisions to fund ICE and Border Patrol, with its proponents warning of the consequences of defunding law enforcement. In Wisconsin, GOP leaders have already begun highlighting Hong’s past statements, portraying her as too radical for a state that values stability and security.
Her social media presence has also become a focal point for critics. A former chef and restaurant owner, Hong entered politics in 2020 through a campaign for a Wisconsin State Assembly seat in Madison. Her background as a small business operator helped her connect with voters during the pandemic, as the culinary industry faced severe challenges. However, her Twitter bio, which once read “Occupied Ho-Chunk Land”—a reference to the Indigenous territory encompassing parts of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and Illinois—was updated in March 2023 to “Wisconsin, USA.” Hong explained this change to CNN, noting she occasionally revises her bios but stressed her continued support for Indigenous land rights.
Despite these adjustments, her advocacy for police abolition remains a defining feature of her campaign. While she has deleted some posts that may have been more extreme, her core message endures. This has led to a nuanced discussion about how far her platform extends, with supporters arguing that her focus on systemic change is essential for addressing racial inequities in policing, and opponents contending that her rhetoric could deter moderate voters.
A State in Transition
Wisconsin’s governor’s race is a microcosm of the national political landscape, where progressive ideals must compete with the realities of a diverse electorate. Hong’s stance on police abolition aligns her with a growing faction within the Democratic Party that sees law enforcement as a symbol of systemic oppression. However, her position also places her in contrast to other candidates who have adopted more centrist messaging to secure broader support.
As the primary season unfolds, the question of how Hong’s views will shape her campaign remains central. Her ability to balance her progressive commitments with the need to appeal to a wider audience will be crucial. Meanwhile, the debate over defunding versus abolishing police continues to influence not only the governor’s race but also the broader Democratic strategy in a state that has historically leaned Republican in presidential elections.
Ultimately, Hong’s journey from small business owner to political contender illustrates the evolving nature of progressive politics. Her unapologetic embrace of the defund movement challenges the notion that Democrats must compromise on their values to win elections. Whether this boldness will resonate with voters or position her as an outsider remains to be seen, but her campaign has already sparked a significant conversation about the future of public safety in Wisconsin.
