Bernie Sanders is probably the most prominent socialist in American politics. He’s been the Senator from Vermont for almost two decades and pushed his socialist agenda, including attacks on the oligarchy, while making enough money in Congress and from his capitalist book sales to buy himself three houses and fly in private jets.
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That being said, it seems Sanders has found a socialist he won’t endorse: Wisconsin’s Francesca Hong.
Sanders went on the Pod Save America podcast, where he was asked about endorsing Hong.
Bernie on whether he’ll endorse Hong:
“I don’t think so.” pic.twitter.com/83pBwPw545
— Jon Favreau (@jonfavs) August 5, 2026
“I noticed you haven’t yet endorsed in the Wisconsin governor’s race. What’s your thinking there and might you endorse?” asked Favreau.
“I don’t think so,” Sanders replied. “I met Francesca a couple of years ago. I was in Wisconsin and she was very, very nice. But again this is a race I am just not that familiar with. We have not gotten involved in many governors’ races. I think we did one in Maine with Troy Jackson. You know, obviously, my major concern right is seeing that we have a Senate and House that’s going to stand up to Trump. That’s really where my focus is so as of now we’ve not been involved in that race.”
Bernie Sanders shuts down endorsing Francesca Hong.
On Pod Save America, asked if he’d jump into the Wisconsin governor’s race:
“I don’t think so. I met Francesca a couple of years ago… she seems very, very nice. But this is a race I’m just not that familiar with” pic.twitter.com/ksuCp2RIgY
— InteractivePolls (@IAPolls2022) August 5, 2026
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This has got to sting.
Bernie won the state’s 2016 primary, meaning Hong might resonate with some of the state’s voters.
Bernie won Wisconsin in the 2016 primary.
But not backing the DSA candidate in the Gov’s race here.
My my my how the turn tables. https://t.co/gzg5z45LDK
— Megan Novak (@meganjnovak) August 6, 2026
Sanders also endorsed Graham Platner. While consistent with his statement that he’s focused on the House and Senate, Platner was far more problematic than Hong.
Guy with the Nazi Tattoo “hey everyone makes mistakes.”
Crazy communist lady – “not my cup of tea sorry” https://t.co/EfS21OQkVj
— Stephen L. Miller (@redsteeze) August 5, 2026
True, Hong is bipolar and did a stint in the hospital for it. She also admitted to engaging in self-harm and overdosing on lithium. That’s different from having a Nazi tattoo and abusing your girlfriends, though.
It’s because of your race and gender, @FrancescaHongWI. You know it, I know it, everyone knows it. Call Bernie on it. He endorsed the white male rapist Graham Platner but not you. Call Bernie a racist and a sexist. Come on, you know you want to. https://t.co/ZXHD3VCjHp
— Dan O’Donnell (@DanODonnellShow) August 6, 2026
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This would be hilarious.
Bernie Sanders Thanksgiving fan confirmed https://t.co/ytrKaVYTcm
— Perpetual Situation Monitor (@LiberalHegemony) August 6, 2026
Okay, that was well played.
Polls still show Hong up double digits over David Crowley five days ahead of the August 11 primary. However, given that the Michigan U.S. Senate race was supposed to be a blowout for Abdul El-Sayed and he only won by about a point, it may not be a given that Hong is the nominee, even though all signs point in that direction.
Editor’s Note: The 2026 Midterms will determine the fate of President Trump’s America First agenda. Republicans must maintain control of both chambers of Congress.
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