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Election Day is Tuesday, November 8!
The Wisconsin Progressive Voters Guide compiles the information that allows you to make informed decisions about the races on your ballot, based on your values. Absentee ballots must be received by your municipal clerk by Tuesday, November 3 at 8PM. Vote in every race on your ballot, then share this guide with your friends and family!
Statewide
A native of Plymouth, Wisconsin, former public school educator, husband, father of three and grandfather of nine, Tony Evers is running for re-election as Wisconsin Governor. During his first term, Gov. Evers cut income taxes by 15% for middle class families, led the investment of nearly $1 billion to support Wisconsin's small businesses, farms and workers, and stood with Wisconsinites by stopping numerous extreme policies designed to divide people from becoming law. Based on his belief that what's best for our kids is what's best for our state, Gov. Evers has provided strong and steady leadership for Wisconsinites and continued to reach across the aisle to find solutions to the issues most important to Wisconsinites, like addressing rising costs and making sure Wisconsin's public schools have the resources they need to provide a high-quality education to our kids.
Throughout his first term, Gov. Evers has prioritized equality and inclusion and taken steps to show all Wisconsinites they are welcome in our state, including being the first Wisconsin governor to raise the LGBT pride flag over the State Capitol. Gov. Evers believes Wisconsin women should be able to make their own reproductive decisions, which is why he called a special session to overturn Wisconsin's 1849 abortion ban. His opponent is Republican Tim Michels, who is endorsed by an extreme right wing group that supports Wisconsin's criminal abortion ban, prohibiting abortion even in cases of rape or incest. Evers is the progressive choice in this race.
A native of Plymouth, Wisconsin, former public school educator, husband, father of three and grandfather of nine, Tony Evers is running for re-election as Wisconsin Governor. During his first term, Gov. Evers cut income taxes by 15% for middle class families, led the investment of nearly $1 billion to support Wisconsin's small businesses, farms and workers, and stood with Wisconsinites by stopping numerous extreme policies designed to divide people from becoming law. Based on his belief that what's best for our kids is what's best for our state, Gov. Evers has provided strong and steady leadership for Wisconsinites and continued to reach across the aisle to find solutions to the issues most important to Wisconsinites, like addressing rising costs and making sure Wisconsin's public schools have the resources they need to provide a high-quality education to our kids.
Throughout his first term, Gov. Evers has prioritized equality and inclusion and taken steps to show all Wisconsinites they are welcome in our state, including being the first Wisconsin governor to raise the LGBT pride flag over the State Capitol. Gov. Evers believes Wisconsin women should be able to make their own reproductive decisions, which is why he called a special session to overturn Wisconsin's 1849 abortion ban. His opponent is Republican Tim Michels, who is endorsed by an extreme right wing group that supports Wisconsin's criminal abortion ban, prohibiting abortion even in cases of rape or incest. Evers is the progressive choice in this race.
Nurse, entrepreneur, former CDC Epidemic Intelligence Officer and first-term State Representative, Sara Rodriguez is the Democratic nominee for Lieutenant Governor. On the ticket with Gov. Tony Evers, Rodriguez promises to be a partner to Gov. Evers by fighting to make healthcare more affordable and accessible, to adequately fund public schools, to protect women's access to reproductive healthcare, and to support economic development throughout Wisconsin.
In 2020, Rodriguez was one of only two Wisconsin candidates to flip a Republican-held seat. Her opponent, Roger Roth, is a longtime Republican state legislator who has consistently cast anti-choice, anti-public education, anti-environment, and anti-democracy votes. Rodriguez is the progressive choice in this race.
Nurse, entrepreneur, former CDC Epidemic Intelligence Officer and first-term State Representative, Sara Rodriguez is the Democratic nominee for Lieutenant Governor. On the ticket with Gov. Tony Evers, Rodriguez promises to be a partner to Gov. Evers by fighting to make healthcare more affordable and accessible, to adequately fund public schools, to protect women's access to reproductive healthcare, and to support economic development throughout Wisconsin.
In 2020, Rodriguez was one of only two Wisconsin candidates to flip a Republican-held seat. Her opponent, Roger Roth, is a longtime Republican state legislator who has consistently cast anti-choice, anti-public education, anti-environment, and anti-democracy votes. Rodriguez is the progressive choice in this race.
Attorney General Josh Kaul is a running for re-election to continue addressing crime in Wisconsin, defending our rights, protecting our natural resources, and delivering for the people of Wisconsin. As Attorney General, Kaul has fought to increase funding for public safety to help keep Wisconsin families and communities safe, as well as investigated and prosecuted serious offenses like homicides, sexual assaults, internet crimes against children, and drug trafficking. Attorney General Kaul has also taken on corporations responsible for the opioid epidemic and cancer-causing water pollution, and is leading the fight in court to restore access to safe and legal abortion. His opponent is Republican district attorney Eric Toney, who has promised to enforce Wisconsin's criminal abortion ban, which prohibits abortion even in cases of rape or incest and could send doctors and nurses to jail. Kaul is the progressive choice in this race.
Attorney General Josh Kaul is a running for re-election to continue addressing crime in Wisconsin, defending our rights, protecting our natural resources, and delivering for the people of Wisconsin. As Attorney General, Kaul has fought to increase funding for public safety to help keep Wisconsin families and communities safe, as well as investigated and prosecuted serious offenses like homicides, sexual assaults, internet crimes against children, and drug trafficking. Attorney General Kaul has also taken on corporations responsible for the opioid epidemic and cancer-causing water pollution, and is leading the fight in court to restore access to safe and legal abortion. His opponent is Republican district attorney Eric Toney, who has promised to enforce Wisconsin's criminal abortion ban, which prohibits abortion even in cases of rape or incest and could send doctors and nurses to jail. Kaul is the progressive choice in this race.
Long-time Secretary of State Doug LaFollette is running for re-election to ensure far-right politicians don't use the Secretary of State office to undermine Wisconsin's democracy by laying the groundwork to overturn future election results they disagree with. LaFollette strongly supports worker's rights, advocates for environmental protection and for investing in local economies, supports women's rights including reproductive rights, and believes in decentralization of power, particularly with respect to election administration. LaFollette's opponent is Republican state legislator Amy Loudenbeck, who, like many of her Republican legislative colleagues, has perpetuated the Big Lie and now wants to get rid of the Wisconsin Elections Commission and consolidate election oversight power in the Secretary of State office. LaFollette is the progressive choice in this race.
Long-time Secretary of State Doug LaFollette is running for re-election to ensure far-right politicians don't use the Secretary of State office to undermine Wisconsin's democracy by laying the groundwork to overturn future election results they disagree with. LaFollette strongly supports worker's rights, advocates for environmental protection and for investing in local economies, supports women's rights including reproductive rights, and believes in decentralization of power, particularly with respect to election administration. LaFollette's opponent is Republican state legislator Amy Loudenbeck, who, like many of her Republican legislative colleagues, has perpetuated the Big Lie and now wants to get rid of the Wisconsin Elections Commission and consolidate election oversight power in the Secretary of State office. LaFollette is the progressive choice in this race.
A fifth-generation Wisconsinite and the current mayor of Fitchburg in Dane County, Aaron Richardson is running for Wisconsin State Treasurer to ensure state investments are done with intelligence, excellence and safety, to support home ownership in our state by creating new opportunities for Wisconsinites to become first-time home owners and create generational wealth, working to ensure Wisconsin is investing in companies that are acting responsibly about protecting the environment, and restricting the predatory payday lending industry. Richardson's opponent is John Leiber, who is a long-time Republican political operative and legislative staffer. Richardson is the progressive choice in this race.
A fifth-generation Wisconsinite and the current mayor of Fitchburg in Dane County, Aaron Richardson is running for Wisconsin State Treasurer to ensure state investments are done with intelligence, excellence and safety, to support home ownership in our state by creating new opportunities for Wisconsinites to become first-time home owners and create generational wealth, working to ensure Wisconsin is investing in companies that are acting responsibly about protecting the environment, and restricting the predatory payday lending industry. Richardson's opponent is John Leiber, who is a long-time Republican political operative and legislative staffer. Richardson is the progressive choice in this race.
State Senate
State Senator, District 15
State Representative Mark Spreitzer currently represents the 45th Assembly District and is running to succeed Janis Ringhand in the Wisconsin State Senate. As the ranking Democrat on the Assembly Campaigns & Elections Committee, Spreitzer has been a strong defender of democracy in Wisconsin through his push for non-partisan redistricting reform and his sharp, effective criticism of Republican efforts to push conspiracy theories like the Big Lie following the 2020 election. In office, Spreitzer has been a leader on issues related to conservation, local government, family farms, middle-class economic security, healthcare access, criminal justice reform, and LGBTQ equality. His opponent is Republican candidate Mark Trofimchuck. Spreitzer is the progressive choice in this race.
State Representative Mark Spreitzer currently represents the 45th Assembly District and is running to succeed Janis Ringhand in the Wisconsin State Senate. As the ranking Democrat on the Assembly Campaigns & Elections Committee, Spreitzer has been a strong defender of democracy in Wisconsin through his push for non-partisan redistricting reform and his sharp, effective criticism of Republican efforts to push conspiracy theories like the Big Lie following the 2020 election. In office, Spreitzer has been a leader on issues related to conservation, local government, family farms, middle-class economic security, healthcare access, criminal justice reform, and LGBTQ equality. His opponent is Republican candidate Mark Trofimchuck. Spreitzer is the progressive choice in this race.
State Senator, District 27
State Representative Dianne Hesselbein is running to succeed Jon Erpenbach in the state senate. Hesselbein has represented the 79th Assembly District for the past ten years, during which she has fought to protect reproductive rights, expand BadgerCare, protect Wisconsin's natural resources, and support working peoples' rights to unionize and bargain collectively. Hesselbein promises to push for more public school funding, protect our environment, strengthen the University System, and advocate for veterans’ benefits in the state senate. Her opponent, Republican Roger Relph, is endorsed by an extreme right wing group that wants to ban abortion without exception, including when the pregnant person's life is at risk. Hesselbein is the progressive choice in this race.
State Representative Dianne Hesselbein is running to succeed Jon Erpenbach in the state senate. Hesselbein has represented the 79th Assembly District for the past ten years, during which she has fought to protect reproductive rights, expand BadgerCare, protect Wisconsin's natural resources, and support working peoples' rights to unionize and bargain collectively. Hesselbein promises to push for more public school funding, protect our environment, strengthen the University System, and advocate for veterans’ benefits in the state senate. Her opponent, Republican Roger Relph, is endorsed by an extreme right wing group that wants to ban abortion without exception, including when the pregnant person's life is at risk. Hesselbein is the progressive choice in this race.
State Assembly
Representative, District 42
Lifelong Lodi resident, Columbia County board supervisor, former small business owner, journey-person tool and die maker, and AFT Local 243 union member Theresa Valencia believes government should be about improving people's lives, not political scheming. Valencia is a passionate supporter of access to affordable healthcare including expanding BadgerCare, believes we must fully fund our public schools and support our educators, thinks corporations and the extremely wealthy should pay their fair share, and promises to support reproductive freedom for Wisconsin women. Valencia also supports common sense gun safety. Also in this race is Republican incumbent Jon Plumer, who has consistently cast anti-public education, anti-democracy, and anti-worker votes and who is endorsed by an extreme right wing group that supports Wisconsin's criminal abortion ban, which prohibits abortion even in cases of rape or incest. Valencia is the more progressive choice in this race.
Lifelong Lodi resident, Columbia County board supervisor, former small business owner, journey-person tool and die maker, and AFT Local 243 union member Theresa Valencia believes government should be about improving people's lives, not political scheming. Valencia is a passionate supporter of access to affordable healthcare including expanding BadgerCare, believes we must fully fund our public schools and support our educators, thinks corporations and the extremely wealthy should pay their fair share, and promises to support reproductive freedom for Wisconsin women. Valencia also supports common sense gun safety. Also in this race is Republican incumbent Jon Plumer, who has consistently cast anti-public education, anti-democracy, and anti-worker votes and who is endorsed by an extreme right wing group that supports Wisconsin's criminal abortion ban, which prohibits abortion even in cases of rape or incest. Valencia is the more progressive choice in this race.
Representative, District 43
Jenna Jacobson has deep ties to the 43rd Assembly District. Jacobson is currently serving her third term as Village of Oregon Trustee and working as a Housing Program Specialist to help people get and stay in affordable, quality housing in Dane County. Jacobson promises to fight for our shared values like making sure our public schools are fully funded, expanding broadband internet access, expanding BadgerCare and mental health support, fighting to protect Wisconsin's natural resources and promoting access to clean water, and supporting family farms throughout Wisconsin. Jacobson is also passionate about women's rights. She is a pro-choice candidate who believes Wisconsin should legalize abortion. Her opponent is Republican candidate Marisa Voelkel, who is endorsed by an extreme right wing group that wants to ban abortion without exception, even when the pregnant person's life is at risk. Jacobson is the progressive candidate in this race.
Jenna Jacobson has deep ties to the 43rd Assembly District. Jacobson is currently serving her third term as Village of Oregon Trustee and working as a Housing Program Specialist to help people get and stay in affordable, quality housing in Dane County. Jacobson promises to fight for our shared values like making sure our public schools are fully funded, expanding broadband internet access, expanding BadgerCare and mental health support, fighting to protect Wisconsin's natural resources and promoting access to clean water, and supporting family farms throughout Wisconsin. Jacobson is also passionate about women's rights. She is a pro-choice candidate who believes Wisconsin should legalize abortion. Her opponent is Republican candidate Marisa Voelkel, who is endorsed by an extreme right wing group that wants to ban abortion without exception, even when the pregnant person's life is at risk. Jacobson is the progressive candidate in this race.
Representative, District 46
Dane County supervisor and Cottage Grove village board member Melissa Ratcliff is running for Assembly to be an advocate in the State Capitol on issues important to her community. Ratcliff lists ending gun violence, defending reproductive rights, fully funding public education, and expanding housing options as some of her top priorities. Ratcliff's platform also includes protecting our environment, addressing roads and infrastructure needs, expanding BadgerCare, and working to lower prescription drug costs. After winning a five-way primary election in August, Ratcliffe faces Republican candidate Andrew McKinney, who claims he was previously conned into running as a Democrat in a past race. Ratcliff is the progressive choice in this race.
Dane County supervisor and Cottage Grove village board member Melissa Ratcliff is running for Assembly to be an advocate in the State Capitol on issues important to her community. Ratcliff lists ending gun violence, defending reproductive rights, fully funding public education, and expanding housing options as some of her top priorities. Ratcliff's platform also includes protecting our environment, addressing roads and infrastructure needs, expanding BadgerCare, and working to lower prescription drug costs. After winning a five-way primary election in August, Ratcliffe faces Republican candidate Andrew McKinney, who claims he was previously conned into running as a Democrat in a past race. Ratcliff is the progressive choice in this race.
Representative, District 47
State Representative Jimmy Anderson is a dedicated progressive who began his career as a lawyer. He is an advocate for safe driving and the victims of drunk driving accidents, having been paralyzed from the chest down by a drunk driver himself. In the Legislature, he has been a progressive voice on a variety of issues. Anderson believes in transparent government, a clean environment, and a well-funded educational system. He has introduced legislation to address gun violence, cap insulin prices, and strengthen environmental regulations. Anderson has also been a vocal advocate for BadgerCare expansion. His opponent is Republican Lamonte Newsom. Anderson is the progressive choice in this race.
State Representative Jimmy Anderson is a dedicated progressive who began his career as a lawyer. He is an advocate for safe driving and the victims of drunk driving accidents, having been paralyzed from the chest down by a drunk driver himself. In the Legislature, he has been a progressive voice on a variety of issues. Anderson believes in transparent government, a clean environment, and a well-funded educational system. He has introduced legislation to address gun violence, cap insulin prices, and strengthen environmental regulations. Anderson has also been a vocal advocate for BadgerCare expansion. His opponent is Republican Lamonte Newsom. Anderson is the progressive choice in this race.
Representative, District 48
Originally from The Gambia in West Africa, State Representative Samba Baldeh is running for re-election in the 48th Assembly District. Baldeh has a progressive message, particularly on environmental issues. He is committed to 100% carbon-free energy by 2050 and was a lead author of the CLEAR Act to enact and enforce statewide PFAS standards and fund PFAS testing, monitoring, and mitigation efforts. Baldeh is pro-choice and in favor of BadgerCare expansion and criminal justice reform. His other priorities include increasing affordable housing to eliminate homelessness, and changing education funding from property taxes to state funding, while maintaining local control of schools. While Baldeh does not have an opponent this election, he is the progressive choice in this race.
Originally from The Gambia in West Africa, State Representative Samba Baldeh is running for re-election in the 48th Assembly District. Baldeh has a progressive message, particularly on environmental issues. He is committed to 100% carbon-free energy by 2050 and was a lead author of the CLEAR Act to enact and enforce statewide PFAS standards and fund PFAS testing, monitoring, and mitigation efforts. Baldeh is pro-choice and in favor of BadgerCare expansion and criminal justice reform. His other priorities include increasing affordable housing to eliminate homelessness, and changing education funding from property taxes to state funding, while maintaining local control of schools. While Baldeh does not have an opponent this election, he is the progressive choice in this race.
Representative, District 76
State Representative Francesca Hong is running for re-election on a progressive platform that is built around an intersectional understanding of Madison's challenges and a commitment to addressing systemic economic inequalities. Hong believes addressing racial inequity is an issue not just of police reform but also education and healthcare policy. Also a small business owner in the food service industry, Hong believes in reversing Act 10, supports universal child care benefits, and increased funding to public schools, especially for special needs programs. In her first term in office, Hong co-authored the Economic Justice Bill of Rights, which seeks to make Wisconsin a place where everyone can achieve economic security, opportunity, and freedom. Hong has a comprehensive progressive platform and is the progressive choice for District 76.
State Representative Francesca Hong is running for re-election on a progressive platform that is built around an intersectional understanding of Madison's challenges and a commitment to addressing systemic economic inequalities. Hong believes addressing racial inequity is an issue not just of police reform but also education and healthcare policy. Also a small business owner in the food service industry, Hong believes in reversing Act 10, supports universal child care benefits, and increased funding to public schools, especially for special needs programs. In her first term in office, Hong co-authored the Economic Justice Bill of Rights, which seeks to make Wisconsin a place where everyone can achieve economic security, opportunity, and freedom. Hong has a comprehensive progressive platform and is the progressive choice for District 76.
Representative, District 77
An advocate, neighborhood organizer, and Dane County Board member, Shelia Stubbs was elected as the first Black State Assembly Representative from Dane County in 2018. She is a strong advocate for restorative justice and racial equity, and has authored legislation on women's health, marijuana decriminalization, and gun safety. She also supports policies to protect our clean air and water, increase access to health care, and strengthen the safety net for seniors, children, and people with disabilities. While she is running unopposed, Stubbs is the progressive choice in this race.
An advocate, neighborhood organizer, and Dane County Board member, Shelia Stubbs was elected as the first Black State Assembly Representative from Dane County in 2018. She is a strong advocate for restorative justice and racial equity, and has authored legislation on women's health, marijuana decriminalization, and gun safety. She also supports policies to protect our clean air and water, increase access to health care, and strengthen the safety net for seniors, children, and people with disabilities. While she is running unopposed, Stubbs is the progressive choice in this race.
Representative, District 78
State Representative Lisa Subeck is running for re-election to represent the 78th Assembly District. Prior to becoming an elected official, Subeck worked as an early childhood educator, housing program coordinator, and NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin Executive Director. In the Assembly, Subeck has been a progressive leader on such issues as affordable healthcare, reproductive health services, campaign finance reform, and strengthening schools. As the ranking Democrat on the Assembly Health Committee, Subeck has been a leading pro-choice voice in the Assembly. Additionally, as a member of the Assembly Campaigns & Elections Committee, she has played an important role in pushing back against Republican lies and conspiracies theories about the 2020 election. Her opponent is Republican candidate Matt Neuhaus. Subeck is the progressive choice in this race.
State Representative Lisa Subeck is running for re-election to represent the 78th Assembly District. Prior to becoming an elected official, Subeck worked as an early childhood educator, housing program coordinator, and NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin Executive Director. In the Assembly, Subeck has been a progressive leader on such issues as affordable healthcare, reproductive health services, campaign finance reform, and strengthening schools. As the ranking Democrat on the Assembly Health Committee, Subeck has been a leading pro-choice voice in the Assembly. Additionally, as a member of the Assembly Campaigns & Elections Committee, she has played an important role in pushing back against Republican lies and conspiracies theories about the 2020 election. Her opponent is Republican candidate Matt Neuhaus. Subeck is the progressive choice in this race.
Representative, District 79
Dane County board supervisor, former legislative aide, and longtime community volunteer Alex Joers is invested in creating a brighter future for Wisconsin. Growing up, Joers worked at his family's small business and learned important lessons about working hard, adjusting to new situations, and giving back to the community. After graduating from UW-La Crosse in 2015, Joers combined his knowledge, skills, and values by serving as legislative aide in the Wisconsin State Capitol. There, he learned the ins and outs of policymaking and deepened his connection to the 79th Assembly District. Joers' platform includes supporting small businesses, protecting our environment, investing in public education, and fighting for workers. Joers is also a strong defender of reproductive freedom, incuding the right to an abortion, and promises to fight for common sense gun safety laws. Also running is Republican candidate Victoria Fueger. Joers is the progressive choice in this race.
Dane County board supervisor, former legislative aide, and longtime community volunteer Alex Joers is invested in creating a brighter future for Wisconsin. Growing up, Joers worked at his family's small business and learned important lessons about working hard, adjusting to new situations, and giving back to the community. After graduating from UW-La Crosse in 2015, Joers combined his knowledge, skills, and values by serving as legislative aide in the Wisconsin State Capitol. There, he learned the ins and outs of policymaking and deepened his connection to the 79th Assembly District. Joers' platform includes supporting small businesses, protecting our environment, investing in public education, and fighting for workers. Joers is also a strong defender of reproductive freedom, incuding the right to an abortion, and promises to fight for common sense gun safety laws. Also running is Republican candidate Victoria Fueger. Joers is the progressive choice in this race.
Representative, District 80
Dane County supervisor, former City of Verona alder, small business owner, founder of the New Leaders Council Wisconsin chapter, and experienced public policy advocate Mike Bare is running for the 80th Assembly District to champion progressive values in the State Capitol. As a longtime aide to U.S. Senator Russ Feingold, Bare knows the ins and outs of fighting for progressive policies and being responsive to constituents. Bare's top three priorities are defending our democracy, protecting our rights including the right to a safe and legal abortion, and tacking climate change. But no matter the issue or the decision before him, Bare is guided by values like showing empathy for others, ensuring fairness in processes, and achieving equity in outcomes. Also running is Republican candidate Jacob Luginbuhl. Bare is the progressive choice in this race.
Dane County supervisor, former City of Verona alder, small business owner, founder of the New Leaders Council Wisconsin chapter, and experienced public policy advocate Mike Bare is running for the 80th Assembly District to champion progressive values in the State Capitol. As a longtime aide to U.S. Senator Russ Feingold, Bare knows the ins and outs of fighting for progressive policies and being responsive to constituents. Bare's top three priorities are defending our democracy, protecting our rights including the right to a safe and legal abortion, and tacking climate change. But no matter the issue or the decision before him, Bare is guided by values like showing empathy for others, ensuring fairness in processes, and achieving equity in outcomes. Also running is Republican candidate Jacob Luginbuhl. Bare is the progressive choice in this race.
Representative, District 81
Former dairy goat farmer and special education teacher Dave Considine has been serving in the Assembly since 2014. Considine has a reputation as a pragmatic and bipartisan legislator who favors common-sense, community-minded legislation. Considine believes in investing public money into public schools, supports reproductive rights, and has authored numerous bills on education, conservation, and marijuana decriminalization. His opponent is Republican candidate Shellie Benish, who is endorsed by an extreme right wing group that wants to ban abortion without exception, even when the pregnant person's life is at risk. Considine is the progressive choice in this race.
Former dairy goat farmer and special education teacher Dave Considine has been serving in the Assembly since 2014. Considine has a reputation as a pragmatic and bipartisan legislator who favors common-sense, community-minded legislation. Considine believes in investing public money into public schools, supports reproductive rights, and has authored numerous bills on education, conservation, and marijuana decriminalization. His opponent is Republican candidate Shellie Benish, who is endorsed by an extreme right wing group that wants to ban abortion without exception, even when the pregnant person's life is at risk. Considine is the progressive choice in this race.