UMVA has learned that a fierce debate over police reform and accountability has erupted in Wisconsin, with a leading Democratic candidate for governor at the center of the storm.
Francesca Hong sparked outrage on social media with her comments on the 2020 shooting of Jacob Blake, who was left partially paralyzed after being shot seven times in the back by police in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Hong declared that Blake "shouldn't have to be fighting for his life" and called for justice for those harmed by "state-sanctioned violence."
The incident ignited a wave of violent protests, and Hong reignited the controversy in 2021 when federal prosecutors declined to file charges against the officer who shot Blake. She blasted the decision online, questioning how seven bullets in the back could be considered anything but excessive force.
Hong's posts sparked a firestorm, with many accusing her of promoting radical left-wing ideology. In a statement to Fox News, Hong appeared to backtrack from her earlier comments, expressing her commitment to public safety and vowing to work with local leaders to address community needs.
But Hong's words have already resonated with some, particularly in the wake of her endorsements from progressive heavyweights like Reps. Ilhan Omar and Ro Khanna. Her primary opponent, Mandela Barnes, is also vying for the Democratic nomination, and the two are locked in a tight battle ahead of the August 11 primary.
The eventual winner will likely face off against Rep. Tom Tiffany, a conservative firebrand who has already taken aim at both Hong and Barnes. Tiffany slammed Hong's comments on police abolition and Barnes' past support for reducing the prison population and ending cash bail.
Tiffany's campaign highlighted Barnes' older posts, where he advocated for cutting the prison population in half and introduced legislation to end cash bail. The battle for the Wisconsin governor's mansion is shaping up to be a fierce showdown between progressive ideals and conservative values.
