Hong defends policies after Axelrod calls her 'zany liberal

Francesca Hong, Wisconsin’s Democratic frontrunner in the race for governor, fired back at Democratic strategist David Axelrod on Friday after he dismissed her as a “zany liberal” in a Thursday tweet. Axelrod, a veteran advisor to Barack Obama’s presidential campaigns, questioned whether Hong could win in a swing state, arguing her progressive platform might alienate moderate voters. Hong, who is running as an unapologetically progressive candidate, called Axelrod’s comments “out of touch” and defended her vision for the state.

The clash highlights a growing divide within the Democratic Party between establishment figures and the left wing. Axelrod’s criticism reflects concerns that Wisconsin’s swing-state status makes it a tough battleground for progressive candidates, especially in a race against Republican incumbent Governor Tony Evers. Hong, a first-term state legislator and former restaurant owner, has built her campaign on policies like Medicare expansion, clean energy investments, and criminal justice reform. Her supporters argue that Axelrod’s skepticism ignores the shifting priorities of Democratic voters, particularly younger and working-class residents who increasingly favor bold economic policies.

Hong didn’t hold back in her response, posting on X that Axelrod’s remarks were “disappointing” and that progressive policies resonate with Wisconsinites. She pointed to her primary victory last year, where she outperformed establishment-backed rivals, as proof that her message connects beyond the party’s traditional base. Polls show the governor’s race is tight, with Evers leading but Hong cutting into his support among key demographics.

The spat could signal a broader debate ahead: whether Democrats in purple states need to moderate their stances to win or if doubling down on progressive policies is the path to victory. For Hong, the stakes are high. A win would make her the first Asian American woman elected governor in Wisconsin and a rising star in the national progressive movement. For Axelrod and other establishment Democrats, the question is whether his warnings about electability will resonate as the party grapples with its future direction. The next few months will show whether Hong’s brand of politics can overcome the skepticism of party elders—and whether her firebrand style can translate into votes.