Wisconsin Governor Candidate Advocates for Police Reform

Francesca Hong, a Democratic socialist and Wisconsin state representative, has previously called for defunding and abolishing the police in response to incidents of police violence, including the shooting of Jacob Blake. In August 2020, she stated, "I support defunding the police as a first step towards abolishing the police." Following the shooting of Blake, who was shot seven times by police in Kenosha, Hong expressed her views on social media, emphasizing the need for justice and reform. In October 2021, after federal prosecutors decided not to charge the officer involved in Blake's shooting, she reiterated her stance, questioning the use of excessive force by police. Recently, in a statement, Hong clarified that she does not wish to cut resources for public safety and emphasized the importance of community resources. She is one of several candidates competing for the Democratic nomination for governor in Wisconsin, with the primary election scheduled for August 11. Her main opponent is former Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes. Republican candidate Tom Tiffany criticized both candidates for their views on policing and criminal justice reform.