Wisconsin gubernatorial contender Francesca Hong declines to walk back “cancel Thanksgiving” remarks after deleted social media post

Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate Francesca Hong faced renewed scrutiny after comments circulated again calling for Thanksgiving to be abolished, a remark Hong did not retract when confronted about it on national television, according to a report published Tuesday. The controversy centered on Hong’s use of social media to argue that Thanksgiving should be “canceled,” a post she later deleted.

The renewed attention followed a post on X attributed to Hong in which she wrote, “Cancel Thanksgiving. Should have done this in 1621,” and then removed the post afterward, the report said. The comment framed Thanksgiving cancellation as something she believed should have been implemented historically, not as a new or temporary critique.

Hong was later confronted by a television host about the earlier remarks, and the report said she declined to walk back the position when pressed. The account described her as refusing to give a clear answer about whether Thanksgiving should still be canceled, despite the earlier wording and the later deletion.

The episode comes as Hong seeks higher visibility in Wisconsin’s statewide political landscape. The report characterized her as a far-left Wisconsin gubernatorial contender and described the “resurfaced comments” as having prompted questions about her views on federal and public holiday traditions.

No official action was reported in connection with the remarks, and the available reporting focused on whether Hong would clarify her position after the post was deleted and after she was asked about it on television. The controversy highlights how candidates’ public statements, including posts later removed, can become central to campaign scrutiny even when the underlying issue is a broadly recognized national tradition.

As the matter continues to circulate, voters and media outlets are likely to seek direct clarification from Hong about whether she supports canceling Thanksgiving or retracting the prior language. Without a retraction or a more specific statement, the episode may continue to shape coverage of Hong’s public positions on civic holidays and government or societal observances.