Francesca Hong Campaign Taps Ex-Child Star, OnlyFans Model for Senior Role

Renee Olstead, a former child actress and model known for her presence on OnlyFans, has reportedly taken on a significant position within the gubernatorial campaign of Wisconsin State Representative Francesca Hong. Olstead, who also uses the name Renee Faust, is serving as deputy campaign manager, according to reporting from The Heartland Post. Hong, who identifies as a democratic socialist, is one of several candidates vying for the Democratic nomination in the upcoming gubernatorial primary.

The Heartland Post indicated that Olstead has been actively involved as a paid campaign operative since at least January. Her professional profile on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, prominently features the message “HONG 4 GOV” and includes a link to Hong’s voter outreach page. Olstead’s social media activity also showcases photographs from various campaign events. Reports suggest she has been instrumental in coordinating logistics for prominent campaign surrogates, including streamer and political commentator Hasan Piker.

Campaign Addresses Olstead’s Role and Background

Inquiries were made to Hong’s campaign regarding Olstead’s specific title, responsibilities, start date, employment status, and qualifications for the role. The campaign provided a statement that addressed some aspects but did not offer direct answers to every question posed. The statement highlighted Olstead’s professional background, asserting, “Renee Faust is a licensed mental health clinician who has spent her career providing care to trafficking survivors.” The campaign further stated, “Since joining the campaign in December, she has helped build the largest grassroots campaign in Wisconsin history. The right-wing politicians attacking her are the same ones who want government dictating women’s health care decisions.”

Olstead also has a history of advocacy in the realm of sex work. She previously established the Coalition for American Sex Workers (CASW – LOCAL 304), an organization dedicated to advocating for policy changes, including decriminalization, that impact sex workers. Last year, Hong, alongside three other Wisconsin state representatives, presented Olstead with an official citation from the Wisconsin State Assembly. This recognition acknowledged her advocacy for sex workers’ rights and her selection as “Penthouse Pet of the Year” in 2024.

Criticism and Political Stance

The inclusion of Olstead in a senior campaign role has drawn criticism from conservative groups. Daniel Degner, president of Wisconsin Family Action, a Madison-based conservative advocacy organization, expressed strong disapproval. “Wisconsinites deserve to have serious people leading the state. It is unbelievable to see that the likely Democratic nominee for governor has an active sex worker leading her campaign,” Degner stated. He further questioned, “Voters deserve to know whether if Hong is elected, she will elevate a porn star to leadership in her administration.”

Hong herself has previously voiced support for progressive policies, such as abolishing the U.S. Senate and defunding the police, on social media. However, in recent interviews leading up to the primary election, she has appeared to distance herself from some of these more controversial stances, emphasizing her commitment to public safety.

Hong is competing in the Democratic primary against Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, former Wisconsin Department of Administration Secretary Joel Brennan, and Democratic State Senator Kelda Roys.

Past Statements on Thanksgiving Surface

Adding to the scrutiny, a deleted social media post from 2020 attributed to Hong resurfaced, in which she reportedly suggested “canceling Thanksgiving” to protest colonialism and its historical impact. In response to this, Hong recently clarified her current views to Politico Playbook, stating, “My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. Yep, I don’t want to cancel it. I actually love it.”

The campaign’s strategic decisions and the backgrounds of key personnel continue to be points of discussion as the primary election approaches.