Francesca Hong, the leading Democratic candidate in Wisconsin’s 2026 gubernatorial race, responded on Friday to criticism from Democratic political strategist David Axelrod. Axelrod, who was the chief strategist for former President Barack Obama’s 2008 and 2012 presidential campaigns, called Hong a “zany liberal” in a social media post on Thursday. The comment came amid discussions of Hong’s campaign and political stance as a democratic socialist.

Hong’s rebuttal came swiftly after Axelrod’s remarks, highlighting the ongoing debates within the Democratic Party as candidates vie for influence and voter support in key states like Wisconsin.

Sources