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, described Hong as a “zany liberal” in a social media post on Thursday. Hong, identified as a democratic socialist, fired back at Axelrod’s remarks amid the ongoing campaign.

The exchange highlights tensions within the Democratic Party as candidates vie for influence and support ahead of the election.

Sources