Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez declined to endorse Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial candidate Francesca Hong on Sunday, as the progressive lawmaker urged voters to focus on candidates’ current positions rather than past political statements.
Hong, a Democratic state representative and democratic socialist, is seeking the Democratic nomination for governor in Wisconsin’s Aug. 11 primary. The race has emerged as a test of how far the state’s Democratic Party can move toward the progressive left.
Ocasio-Cortez also acknowledged that some political rhetoric during the early years of the COVID-19 pandemic went too far. Referring to that period as “Woke 1,” she said it was a distinct political moment that shaped discussions around issues including criminal justice and public safety.
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The comments come as Hong faces renewed scrutiny over previous positions on policing and Thanksgiving. Hong has previously supported calls to abolish the police, while her past remarks about Thanksgiving have also drawn criticism. She later walked back her position on Thanksgiving following backlash.
Despite the controversy, Hong has emerged as a leading candidate in the Democratic primary. She is competing against Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, former Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. CEO Missy Hughes and state Sen. Kelda Roys, among others.
The primary is taking place in a state that remains closely divided politically. Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers, a Democrat, is not seeking a third term, leaving both parties with open contests for the governor’s mansion. Hong’s campaign has attracted attention beyond Wisconsin because of her democratic socialist politics and her association with the progressive movement. The race is increasingly being viewed as an indicator of whether a Bernie Sanders-style economic and political message can succeed in a competitive Midwestern state.
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Ocasio-Cortez’s decision not to endorse Hong is notable given her position within the national progressive movement. She and Sen. Bernie Sanders have backed Abdul El-Sayed, a progressive candidate running for governor in Michigan, rather than endorsing Hong in Wisconsin.
For Ocasio-Cortez, the Wisconsin contest also comes as she keeps her own political future open. During the ABC interview, she declined to rule out a presidential campaign or a possible Senate bid in 2028, while emphasizing that her immediate focus is the 2026 midterm elections.
Wisconsin voters will determine the Democratic nominee on Tuesday. The result could offer an early indication of whether progressive candidates can expand their appeal beyond Democratic strongholds and compete effectively in closely divided states.