WATCH: Reporter Straight Up Asks Hong Why AOC and Bernie Sanders Refused To Endorse Her

Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate Francesca Hong was put on the spot Tuesday when a reporter asked her why two of the progressive movement’s biggest names — Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) — declined to endorse her campaign.

Hong, a progressive, enters Tuesday’s Democratic gubernatorial primary as the clear front-runner, with a final State Navigate poll showing her at 44% support — 22 points ahead of Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. The Democratic socialist also led in all 10 regions surveyed, though her advantage narrowed considerably among the most consistent primary voters. The winner of this race will take on Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-WI) in November’s general election.

Last week, Sanders told Pod Save America,  “I don’t think so,” when asked if he plans to back Hong. And on Sunday during an ABC News appearance, Ocasio-Cortez opted not to voice her support for the candidate, emphasizing, “My focus has been in winning back the Congress.” However, the two have been vocal about their support for other Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) candidates in the past.

Hong has faced criticism over a string of past comments and social media posts that have resurfaced during her campaign, including calls to abolish police and prisons, criticism of Thanksgiving and other holidays, and remarks linking capitalism and policing to white supremacy.

“Why do you think AOC and Senator Bernie Sanders have not endorsed you?” a reporter asked her on Tuesday.

Throwing up her hands, Hong responded, “I have so much respect for the senator and the congresswoman. They are working tirelessly to make sure that we can flip Congress and the Senate, and get Democrats wins in the midterms. I look forward to conversations with them about that too.”

“Does it show that they don’t think you’re able to win this battleground state?” the reporter pressed further.

“A gubernatorial race is different from federal elections,” Hong noted. “I think that we are focused on making sure to reach every single voter that we can up until those polls close, um, and that’s what we’re focusing on right now.”

Watch the full clip above via C-SPAN.

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