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A leading Democratic candidate in Wisconsin\u2019s 2026 gubernatorial primary is facing scrutiny over her ties to a controversial leftwing activist, as questions mount about political rhetoric and judgment in the wake of a recent attempted assassination on President Donald Trump.<\/span><\/p>\n State Rep. Francesca Hong<\/a>, a self-described democratic socialist and one of the few candidates polling in double digits in a wide-open primary, is drawing criticism following comments she made after the attempted shooting tied to the White House Correspondents\u2019 Dinner, and her past association with leftist activist and brewery owner Kirk Bangstad.<\/span><\/p>\n In a social media post addressing the incident, Hong <\/span>condemned<\/span><\/a> political violence broadly but also offered justification of the attack within a wider critique of government and society, \u201cThe state enacts political violence on its citizens every day,\u201d she added. \u201cWe see it when ICE agents occupy our cities and put children in cages. We see it in a healthcare system that lets people die because they can\u2019t afford care.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Critics argue that response fell short of directly addressing <\/span>rhetoric from figures like Bangstad<\/span><\/a>, whose comments following the same incident sparked widespread backlash. Bangstad, owner of Minocqua Brewing Company, wrote in the immediate aftermath of the attempted assassination that he was disappointed the effort had failed. \u201cWell, we almost got #freebeerday,\u201d Bangstad posted<\/a>. \u201cEither a brother or sister in the Resistance needs to work on their marksmanship \u2026 Regardless, we stand at the ready to pour free beer the day it happens.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n The remark was part of a broader pattern of inflammatory rhetoric and activism that has made Bangstad a polarizing figure in Wisconsin politics, including legal battles and defamation cases tied to his conduct.<\/span><\/p>\n Hong\u2019s past interactions with Bangstad, including appearing on a podcast with him and previously <\/span>donating<\/span><\/a> to his efforts, are now drawing renewed attention as she seeks to position herself as a serious statewide candidate.<\/span><\/p>\n Americans for Prosperity-Wisconsin State Director Megan Novak sharply criticized Hong\u2019s response and her perceived unwillingness to distance herself.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cIt should have been really easy for Francesca Hong to denounce violent political hate coming from someone who\u2019s wildly unpopular with 95% of the state,\u201d Novak said in a statement. \u201cAnd yet somehow she managed to excuse his behavior with a bunch of platitudes. And I think that\u2019s just unacceptable for someone who wants to be the governor of the state of Wisconsin.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n