Francesca Hong, a Democratic gubernatorial candidate in Wisconsin, has distanced herself from her previous statements regarding policing. In a recent appearance on the 'Pod Save America' podcast, she stated that she no longer believes police exist to uphold white supremacy and rejected calls to abolish law enforcement. Hong emphasized her commitment to public safety, stating, "I will not abolish the police," and highlighted the need to address violent crime while ensuring police departments are adequately resourced.
Hong's comments represent a shift from her 2020 position, where she supported defunding the police as a step towards abolition following the shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin. When asked about her past statements, she responded, "no," indicating her change in perspective was influenced by her experiences in the state legislature and conversations with crime victims and marginalized communities.
She advocated for a comprehensive approach to public safety that includes investments in schools, mental health resources, and local government, alongside holding law enforcement accountable and providing necessary training.