Francesca Hong, a Democratic state representative and frontrunner in the Wisconsin gubernatorial primary, faced questions regarding her previous stance on police abolition during an event at Marquette University in Milwaukee. After a debate where she stated her intention to maintain law enforcement funding, Hong was asked by Politico reporter Jonathan Martin if she still supported abolishing police. She did not provide a direct answer, instead advocating for 'systems of care' and a reallocation of criminal justice spending.
Hong's campaign communications director, Allison Geyer, clarified that while Hong's core values regarding police and prison abolition remain unchanged, her approach to discussing the issue has evolved. During the debate, all five Democratic candidates, including Hong, affirmed they would not support a budget that cuts police funding.
In the past, Hong had called for abolishing police following the 2020 shooting of Jacob Blake, stating that police uphold systemic issues. She reiterated her commitment to public safety, stating, 'I don’t like crime. I don’t like unsafe streets.' Hong's campaign platform includes support for crime-prevention programs and does not advocate for eliminating police departments.
A recent Marquette Law School poll indicated that Hong's support among Democratic primary voters has increased to 38%, up from 26% the previous week. Former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes trails with 16%. The Republican Governors Association has reportedly spent nearly $3.6 million on ads portraying Hong as a liberal candidate, aiming to influence the Democratic primary dynamics.