Wisconsin Democratic socialist eyes Trump voters as she walks back ‘defund the police’ remarks
Wisconsin state representative Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist running for governor, has softened her previous support for defunding and abolishing the police as she seeks support beyond the Democratic left. The shift matters because Wisconsin is a closely contested state, where her past remarks could affect her prospects against the Trump-backed Republican candidate, Tom Tiffany.
Hong wrote in 2020 that defunding police should lead to abolition, and repeated the position in 2021. At a televised debate before the 11 August Democratic primary, she said she did not support cutting police funding, arguing that a governor cannot do so and that public safety should focus on preventing crime. Hong is a single mother and former line cook whose left-wing campaign has attracted liberal Democrats but prompted concern among moderates.
- Francesca Hong has moderated her earlier police-defunding rhetoric.
- Her stance could shape Wisconsin’s closely fought governor’s race.
- The Democratic primary takes place on 11 August.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters may argue that Hong is reasonably refining an earlier slogan into a governing agenda focused on prevention, mental-health support and community safety. They may say public concern about crime deserves a direct response, and that a governor should build broad coalitions rather than remain bound to language used during the upheaval of 2020. From this view, engaging Trump voters reflects respect for a politically divided electorate and need not mean abandoning progressive aims.
The case against
Critics may argue that her earlier endorsements of defunding and abolishing police were clear enough that the later position appears politically convenient rather than a genuine change of mind. They may contend that voters need consistency and candour from a prospective governor, especially on public safety, and that distancing herself from past remarks without fully explaining the reversal risks weakening trust. From this view, moderation should come from a considered reassessment of policy, not electoral pressure.