Former Actress Olstead Holds Senior Role in Hong’s Wisconsin Gubernatorial Campaign

Renee Olstead, a former child actress and OnlyFans content creator, holds the position of deputy campaign manager for Wisconsin state Rep. Francesca Hong’s gubernatorial campaign, according to reporting from The Heartland Post. Hong, who identifies as a Democratic socialist, is among four candidates competing in the Democratic primary scheduled for Tuesday.

Olstead, also known as Renee Faust, has worked as a paid campaign operative since at least January, with her social media profiles displaying campaign messaging and documenting event participation. She has reportedly coordinated logistics for prominent surrogates including streamer and political commentator Hasan Piker, according to The Heartland Post.

When asked to confirm Olstead’s title, start date, compensation status and professional qualifications, Hong’s campaign declined to address specific questions directly. Instead, the campaign stated that Olstead is a licensed mental health clinician who has worked with trafficking survivors and has helped develop what they describe as Wisconsin’s largest grassroots campaign since joining in December.

Olstead previously founded the Coalition for American Sex Workers, which advocates for decriminalization and policy reforms affecting sex workers. Last year, Hong and three other state representatives presented her with an official Wisconsin State Assembly citation recognizing her advocacy work and her 2024 selection as “Penthouse Pet of the Year.”

Wisconsin Family Action, a conservative advocacy organization based in Madison, condemned the hiring arrangement. Daniel Degner, the group’s president, questioned whether voters could trust Hong’s judgment and called for clarity on whether she intended to place Olstead in an administration position if elected.

Hong’s primary opponents include Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, former Wisconsin Department of Administration Secretary Joel Brennan and Democratic state Sen. Kelda Roys. The race also drew renewed attention to a 2020 social media post by Hong suggesting the cancellation of Thanksgiving, which she has since characterized as her “favorite holiday.”