Francesca Hong answered for Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s decision not to endorse her in the Wisconsin Democratic primary and the congresswoman’s “Woke 1” remark.
Francesca Hong faced fresh scrutiny in the Wisconsin gubernatorial primary on Monday after U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez declined to endorse her and later joked about the end of the “Woke 1” era. The state lawmaker, a Democratic socialist running in Tuesday’s primary, was pressed on why she did not get backing from Ocasio-Cortez or Sen. Bernie Sanders, two of the most visible names on the party’s left flank.
Hong responded with praise for both lawmakers and tied their attention to the larger fight over Congress and the Senate. She said she has “so much respect” for the senator and the congresswoman and noted that they are working to help Democrats win in the midterms. When asked whether the lack of endorsements meant they did not believe she could win in Wisconsin, Hong said a race for governor is not the same as a federal election.
The exchange followed Ocasio-Cortez’s appearance Sunday on ABC’s “This Week,” where host Jonathan Karl asked whether she would support Hong. Ocasio-Cortez said she had not endorsed in the race and explained that her focus was on reclaiming the House and improving Democrats’ chances in the Senate. She also said her understanding was that Hong had clarified her current positions to voters and moved away from earlier comments, and she added that candidates should be judged on what they are saying now.
Ocasio-Cortez also laughed as she referred to a local city councilman using the phrase “Woke 1 was crazy,” a remark that drew attention as conservatives seized on the broader exchange. The comment added another layer to a primary that has already featured questions about Hong’s past remarks and her standing among progressive voters.
“Francesca Hong answered for Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s decision not to endorse her in the Wisconsin Democratic primary and the congresswoman’s “Woke 1” remark.”
Hong used Monday’s interview to steer the conversation back to her message on the economy and working-class voters. She argued that people are opening their eyes to what she described as an economy that is deeply rigged against working-class Americans. She said she wants to talk about taxing the ultra rich, placing a moratorium on data centers, raising wages, fighting for universal childcare, and fully funding public schools.
Hong is running as a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, and her campaign has drawn support from voters who see her as a hard-edged voice on affordability. The absence of endorsements from two of the party’s best-known progressive figures, however, puts a sharper spotlight on how Wisconsin Democrats are weighing ideology, electability, and message discipline in a competitive primary.
The Democratic primary also includes Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, state Sen. Kelda Roys, and former Wisconsin Department of Administration Secretary Joel Brennan. With the vote set for Tuesday, the race now centers on which candidate can best claim the party’s future while appealing to Wisconsin voters who want relief on costs and a path to victory in November. For American readers, the contest is a reminder that endorsements, even from national stars, do not settle a state race — and that the fight over who can sell the strongest economic message is still very much alive.
Frequently asked questions
Why did Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez not endorse Francesca Hong?
Ocasio-Cortez said she was focused on winning back the House and improving Democrats’ chances in the Senate. She said she had not endorsed in the Wisconsin race.
How did Francesca Hong respond to the lack of endorsements?
Hong said she respects Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders and said a gubernatorial race is different from federal elections. She declined to treat the missing endorsements as a judgment on her chances.
What did Ocasio-Cortez say about Hong’s past comments?
Ocasio-Cortez said her understanding was that Hong had made clear her current positions to voters and moved away from earlier comments. She said candidates should be judged on what they are saying now.
Who else is running in the Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial primary?
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, state Sen. Kelda Roys, and former Wisconsin Department of Administration Secretary Joel Brennan are also in the race.
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