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Citizen Action Wisconsin

Citizen Action Wisconsin Endorsements

Citizen Action of Wisconsin organizes people to make Wisconsin a better place to live and work. Citizen Action employs an integrated strategy of grassroots organizing, public education, earned media, professional research, voter engagement, and political lobbying to advance progressive values and shape the public and political debate around health care, economic development, and consumer protection. Every year, Citizen Action generates hundreds of media stories, mobilizes thousands of citizens to participate in political advocacy, and engages hundreds of thousands of voters.

State Assembly

Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below State Assembly races on your ballot.

Representative, District 07

As the daughter of a union household, Karen Kirsch recognizes the necessity of strong labor unions in the workplace; workers’ rights are one of her top legislative priorities. Kirsch is also passionate about fighting for quality public schools and improving our healthcare system for better access and better outcomes. Kirsch strongly supports the right to choose an abortion, and believes that qualified DACA recipients should be allowed to receive professional licenses from the state. Kirsch is facing Republican Lee Whiting. Karen Kirsch is the progressive choice in this race.

As the daughter of a union household, Karen Kirsch recognizes the necessity of strong labor unions in the workplace; workers’ rights are one of her top legislative priorities. Kirsch is also passionate about fighting for quality public schools and improving our healthcare system for better access and better outcomes. Kirsch strongly supports the right to choose an abortion, and believes that qualified DACA recipients should be allowed to receive professional licenses from the state. Kirsch is facing Republican Lee Whiting. Karen Kirsch is the progressive choice in this race.

Representative, District 10

A Milwaukee native, Darrin Madison has long fought for justice and equity, including through roles with the Urban Ecology Center (UEC), the City of Milwaukee's Environmental Collaboration Office (ECO), and the African American Roundtable. Madison is a strong advocate for youth voices, education, climate change/sustainability, youth criminal justice reform, and economic development, who believes government should serve as a mechanism for communities to thrive. Madison promises to prioritize creating safe communities, pushing for healthcare access and reform, investing in housing, transit, and environmental sustainability, and reforming Wisconsin's criminal justice system. Darrin Madison is the progressive choice in this race.

A Milwaukee native, Darrin Madison has long fought for justice and equity, including through roles with the Urban Ecology Center (UEC), the City of Milwaukee's Environmental Collaboration Office (ECO), and the African American Roundtable. Madison is a strong advocate for youth voices, education, climate change/sustainability, youth criminal justice reform, and economic development, who believes government should serve as a mechanism for communities to thrive. Madison promises to prioritize creating safe communities, pushing for healthcare access and reform, investing in housing, transit, and environmental sustainability, and reforming Wisconsin's criminal justice system. Darrin Madison is the progressive choice in this race.

Representative, District 13

Robyn Vining is running for her fourth term in the State Assembly. Vining lists affordable and safe healthcare, reproductive rights, violence prevention, and ensuring adequate funding for strong public schools among her top priorities. She has been a leader in pushing for nonpartisan redistricting and in introducing and advocating for the Healthcare Heroes Act, which would provide hazard pay, paid sick leave, and healthcare coverage to frontline healthcare workers. In the legislature, Vining has also been a strong advocate for addressing mental healthcare issues throughout Wisconsin and meeting the needs of small businesses in our state. Her opponent is Republican Representative Tom Michalski, who has consistently voted against the right to choose an abortion. Robyn Vining is the progressive choice in this race.

Robyn Vining is running for her fourth term in the State Assembly. Vining lists affordable and safe healthcare, reproductive rights, violence prevention, and ensuring adequate funding for strong public schools among her top priorities. She has been a leader in pushing for nonpartisan redistricting and in introducing and advocating for the Healthcare Heroes Act, which would provide hazard pay, paid sick leave, and healthcare coverage to frontline healthcare workers. In the legislature, Vining has also been a strong advocate for addressing mental healthcare issues throughout Wisconsin and meeting the needs of small businesses in our state. Her opponent is Republican Representative Tom Michalski, who has consistently voted against the right to choose an abortion. Robyn Vining is the progressive choice in this race.

Representative, District 14

West Allis native Angelito Tenorio is the son of unionized postal workers who immigrated to Wisconsin for a better life. Tenorio calls combating climate change his number one priority, which goes hand in hand with preserving clean drinking water and creating more sustainable infrastructure. He is dedicated to keeping our state a great place to live by supporting investments in public education, increasing the minimum wage, and protecting the right to choose an abortion. As a child, he saw how his parents belonging to a union significantly benefited their family, and that has instilled in him a deep appreciation and respect for workers’ rights. Also running in Assembly District 14 is Republican candidate Jim Engstrand. Angelito Tenorio is the progressive choice in this race.

West Allis native Angelito Tenorio is the son of unionized postal workers who immigrated to Wisconsin for a better life. Tenorio calls combating climate change his number one priority, which goes hand in hand with preserving clean drinking water and creating more sustainable infrastructure. He is dedicated to keeping our state a great place to live by supporting investments in public education, increasing the minimum wage, and protecting the right to choose an abortion. As a child, he saw how his parents belonging to a union significantly benefited their family, and that has instilled in him a deep appreciation and respect for workers’ rights. Also running in Assembly District 14 is Republican candidate Jim Engstrand. Angelito Tenorio is the progressive choice in this race.

Representative, District 19

Educator, legislator, small business owner, and longtime Milwaukee-area activist Ryan Clancy is running for reelection in the 19th Assembly District. His time as a teacher made Clancy a strong supporter of public education and he promises to fight for fairer funding for every school district. He knows every single student is important, and supports efforts to make our schools and communities safe and welcoming for LGBTQ+ folks. Clancy has been a leader on fighting crime in the legislature by authoring several proposals to keep Wisconsinites safer from gun violence. He believes in the right to choose an abortion and in the necessity of transparency in government. Ryan Clancy is unopposed in this race and is the progressive choice.

Educator, legislator, small business owner, and longtime Milwaukee-area activist Ryan Clancy is running for reelection in the 19th Assembly District. His time as a teacher made Clancy a strong supporter of public education and he promises to fight for fairer funding for every school district. He knows every single student is important, and supports efforts to make our schools and communities safe and welcoming for LGBTQ+ folks. Clancy has been a leader on fighting crime in the legislature by authoring several proposals to keep Wisconsinites safer from gun violence. He believes in the right to choose an abortion and in the necessity of transparency in government. Ryan Clancy is unopposed in this race and is the progressive choice.

Representative, District 30

Alison Page is a lifelong resident of River Falls, former school board member, and former foster parent who served as CEO of Western Wisconsin Health for thirteen years before retiring recently. Now running for the 30th Assembly District, Page's top three priorities are attracting and retaining good businesses that provide career opportunities, ensuring every child reaches adulthood with the knowledge and skills to contribute to society, and respecting Wisconsin's water, air, and soil for the benefit of future generations. Page believes state government has an important, positive role to play in supporting economic growth by strengthening infrastructure, expanding broadband, and ensuring our public education system has the funding it needs. At the same time, she strongly respects a pregnant person’s right to choose an abortion without government interference. She faces Republican Representative Shannon Zimmerman, who has previously been endorsed by an extremist group that wants to ban abortion, even in cases when the pregnant person's health is at risk. Alison Page is the progressive choice in this race.

Alison Page is a lifelong resident of River Falls, former school board member, and former foster parent who served as CEO of Western Wisconsin Health for thirteen years before retiring recently. Now running for the 30th Assembly District, Page's top three priorities are attracting and retaining good businesses that provide career opportunities, ensuring every child reaches adulthood with the knowledge and skills to contribute to society, and respecting Wisconsin's water, air, and soil for the benefit of future generations. Page believes state government has an important, positive role to play in supporting economic growth by strengthening infrastructure, expanding broadband, and ensuring our public education system has the funding it needs. At the same time, she strongly respects a pregnant person’s right to choose an abortion without government interference. She faces Republican Representative Shannon Zimmerman, who has previously been endorsed by an extremist group that wants to ban abortion, even in cases when the pregnant person's health is at risk. Alison Page is the progressive choice in this race.

Representative, District 61

LuAnn Bird is a former school board member and education professional, former League of Women Voters director, and former nonprofit development professional who is running for the 84th Assembly District to continue using her skills and experience to serve her community. Bringing enthusiasm and determination to every challenge she faces, Bird's top priorities in the Assembly would include working to restore faith in our democracy and ensuring all eligible voters - including voters with disabilities - can vote, addressing the challenge of rising costs, restoring reproductive freedom for all Wisconsinites, working toward safer schools and public spaces, and addressing mental health needs in our community. A grandmother of three, mother of two, and wife of a Vietnam veteran who has been paralyzed for 32 years, Bird knows that the policy decisions made in the State Capitol have a real life impact on Wisconsin families. LuAnn Bird is the progressive choice in this race.

LuAnn Bird is a former school board member and education professional, former League of Women Voters director, and former nonprofit development professional who is running for the 84th Assembly District to continue using her skills and experience to serve her community. Bringing enthusiasm and determination to every challenge she faces, Bird's top priorities in the Assembly would include working to restore faith in our democracy and ensuring all eligible voters - including voters with disabilities - can vote, addressing the challenge of rising costs, restoring reproductive freedom for all Wisconsinites, working toward safer schools and public spaces, and addressing mental health needs in our community. A grandmother of three, mother of two, and wife of a Vietnam veteran who has been paralyzed for 32 years, Bird knows that the policy decisions made in the State Capitol have a real life impact on Wisconsin families. LuAnn Bird is the progressive choice in this race.

Representative, District 62

Veteran public school teacher, granddaughter of migrant workers, and Racine-area native Angelina Cruz understands the struggles of working families today. She knows from her experience in the classroom that Wisconsin’s public schools cannot continue to be underfunded. Currently serving as president of Racine Educators United, Cruz is also a passionate advocate for workers’ rights and LGBTQ+ freedom. Angelina Cruz is unopposed in this race and is the progressive choice.

Veteran public school teacher, granddaughter of migrant workers, and Racine-area native Angelina Cruz understands the struggles of working families today. She knows from her experience in the classroom that Wisconsin’s public schools cannot continue to be underfunded. Currently serving as president of Racine Educators United, Cruz is also a passionate advocate for workers’ rights and LGBTQ+ freedom. Angelina Cruz is unopposed in this race and is the progressive choice.

Representative, District 66

Greta Neubauer has been working in progressive politics for over a decade and has served as the Assembly Democratic Leader for the last two legislative sessions. During her time in office, Neubauer has pushed for increased access to affordable healthcare and programs to reduce racial disparities in healthcare. She has authored legislation on job creation and democracy strengthening reforms, and provided a strong progressive voice on the Joint Finance Committee during the 2021-22 session. Additionally, in 2019 Neubauer was recognized for her work to protect and enhance labor unions by being named Labor “Person of the Year” by the Racine Labor Council. Neubauer cares deeply about addressing climate change, including leading the introduction of the Forward On Climate legislative package in 2023. She is opposed by Republican candidate David DeGroot. Greta Neubauer is the progressive choice in this race.

Greta Neubauer has been working in progressive politics for over a decade and has served as the Assembly Democratic Leader for the last two legislative sessions. During her time in office, Neubauer has pushed for increased access to affordable healthcare and programs to reduce racial disparities in healthcare. She has authored legislation on job creation and democracy strengthening reforms, and provided a strong progressive voice on the Joint Finance Committee during the 2021-22 session. Additionally, in 2019 Neubauer was recognized for her work to protect and enhance labor unions by being named Labor “Person of the Year” by the Racine Labor Council. Neubauer cares deeply about addressing climate change, including leading the introduction of the Forward On Climate legislative package in 2023. She is opposed by Republican candidate David DeGroot. Greta Neubauer is the progressive choice in this race.

Representative, District 71

Longtime Portage County Board member Vinnie Miresse understands the “purple” history of both the 71st Assembly District and Wisconsin as a whole. He believes in bipartisanship and putting an end to the political bickering in Madison. As a legislator, Miresse plans to prioritize our state’s proud ecological heritage, support working families by fighting for higher wages and a repeal of Act 10, and invest in health care access for all. He also believes in the right to choose an abortion and will work to ensure reproductive rights are protected. Also running is Republican candidate Robert Pahmeier. Vinnie Miresse is the clear progressive choice in this race.

Longtime Portage County Board member Vinnie Miresse understands the “purple” history of both the 71st Assembly District and Wisconsin as a whole. He believes in bipartisanship and putting an end to the political bickering in Madison. As a legislator, Miresse plans to prioritize our state’s proud ecological heritage, support working families by fighting for higher wages and a repeal of Act 10, and invest in health care access for all. He also believes in the right to choose an abortion and will work to ensure reproductive rights are protected. Also running is Republican candidate Robert Pahmeier. Vinnie Miresse is the clear progressive choice in this race.

Representative, District 85

Yee Leng Xiong is a native of Marathon County and has been active at multiple levels of local government. He currently serves as vice president on the DC Everest School Board, and has held positions on the Marathon County Board of Supervisors and the Village of Weston Board of Trustees. Xiong is committed to growing the economy in the 85th Assembly District to make it a desirable place to live, work, and raise a family. He also supports fully funding victim support organizations, investing in quality public schools, and ensuring public safety departments have the resources they need to serve their communities. Xiong is running against Republican Representative Patrick Snyder, who has been endorsed by an extreme anti-abortion group aiming to ban all legal abortion in Wisconsin. Xiong is the progressive choice in this race.

Yee Leng Xiong is a native of Marathon County and has been active at multiple levels of local government. He currently serves as vice president on the DC Everest School Board, and has held positions on the Marathon County Board of Supervisors and the Village of Weston Board of Trustees. Xiong is committed to growing the economy in the 85th Assembly District to make it a desirable place to live, work, and raise a family. He also supports fully funding victim support organizations, investing in quality public schools, and ensuring public safety departments have the resources they need to serve their communities. Xiong is running against Republican Representative Patrick Snyder, who has been endorsed by an extreme anti-abortion group aiming to ban all legal abortion in Wisconsin. Xiong is the progressive choice in this race.

Representative, District 86

Former Marathon City village president and Marathon County supervisor John Small has been active in central Wisconsin politics for decades. Small is passionate about education and believes in fully funding our public schools and universities to prepare our children for the future. A biologist by education, he supports protecting our land and water, using our budget surplus wisely to improve infrastructure, and investing in rural communities. Also running is Republican Representative John Spiros, who is aligned with one of Wisconsin’s most extreme anti-abortion organizations. John Small is the more progressive choice in this race.

Former Marathon City village president and Marathon County supervisor John Small has been active in central Wisconsin politics for decades. Small is passionate about education and believes in fully funding our public schools and universities to prepare our children for the future. A biologist by education, he supports protecting our land and water, using our budget surplus wisely to improve infrastructure, and investing in rural communities. Also running is Republican Representative John Spiros, who is aligned with one of Wisconsin’s most extreme anti-abortion organizations. John Small is the more progressive choice in this race.

Representative, District 89

Ryan Spaude is a fifth-generation resident of northeastern Wisconsin who currently works in the Brown County District Attorney’s office. He believes Wisconsin’s current historic budget surplus should mean no tax hikes for the hard-working middle class, and that the minimum wage needs to be increased. Spaude also supports expanding Medicaid in Wisconsin and fully funding the Child Care Counts program so that every family has access to the health- and child-care that they need. Spaude is opposed by Republican candidate Patrick Buckley. Spaude is the progressive choice in this race.

Ryan Spaude is a fifth-generation resident of northeastern Wisconsin who currently works in the Brown County District Attorney’s office. He believes Wisconsin’s current historic budget surplus should mean no tax hikes for the hard-working middle class, and that the minimum wage needs to be increased. Spaude also supports expanding Medicaid in Wisconsin and fully funding the Child Care Counts program so that every family has access to the health- and child-care that they need. Spaude is opposed by Republican candidate Patrick Buckley. Spaude is the progressive choice in this race.

Representative, District 91

An Eau Claire native, Representative Jodi Emerson feels compelled to run for reelection to the Assembly by challenges in education, healthcare, and a lack of well-paid jobs. After being diagnosed with a chronic health condition, Emerson saw firsthand the importance of affordable and accessible healthcare for all - a value that has become more relevant than ever in light of the devastating hospital and clinic closures in the Chippewa Valley area recently. She is also an advocate for social justice, more education funding, and protecting natural resources. She authored a bill to phase out Wisconsin's private school voucher program and has been a strong defender of Wisconsin's democracy as a member of the Assembly Campaigns & Elections Committee. Emerson also sits on the Wisconsin Anti-Human Trafficking Consortium. Her opponent is Republican candidate Michele Skinner. Emerson is the progressive choice in this race.

An Eau Claire native, Representative Jodi Emerson feels compelled to run for reelection to the Assembly by challenges in education, healthcare, and a lack of well-paid jobs. After being diagnosed with a chronic health condition, Emerson saw firsthand the importance of affordable and accessible healthcare for all - a value that has become more relevant than ever in light of the devastating hospital and clinic closures in the Chippewa Valley area recently. She is also an advocate for social justice, more education funding, and protecting natural resources. She authored a bill to phase out Wisconsin's private school voucher program and has been a strong defender of Wisconsin's democracy as a member of the Assembly Campaigns & Elections Committee. Emerson also sits on the Wisconsin Anti-Human Trafficking Consortium. Her opponent is Republican candidate Michele Skinner. Emerson is the progressive choice in this race.

Representative, District 93

Nonprofit professional and community organizer Christian Phelps believes the Assembly must return to prioritizing public wellbeing by investing in public schools and public health. He also wants to protect our natural resources by investing in renewable energy and ensure that pregnant people have the right to choose an abortion. Phelps recognizes the critical importance of renewing Wisconsin’s commitment to workers’ rights, as well as the benefits of legalizing, taxing, and regulating cannabis. Also running for the 93rd Assembly seat is Republican candidate James Rolbiecki. Christian Phelps is the progressive choice in this race.

Nonprofit professional and community organizer Christian Phelps believes the Assembly must return to prioritizing public wellbeing by investing in public schools and public health. He also wants to protect our natural resources by investing in renewable energy and ensure that pregnant people have the right to choose an abortion. Phelps recognizes the critical importance of renewing Wisconsin’s commitment to workers’ rights, as well as the benefits of legalizing, taxing, and regulating cannabis. Also running for the 93rd Assembly seat is Republican candidate James Rolbiecki. Christian Phelps is the progressive choice in this race.

Representative, District 96

Former La Crosse County Board member and United Way executive director Tara Johnson has spent much of her career working to represent communities in western Wisconsin that are sometimes overlooked. Among her legislative priorities are protecting the right to choose an abortion, creating well-paying jobs, increasing access to affordable childcare and healthcare, and safeguarding our democracy. Johnson is running against Republican Representative Loren Oldenburg, who has twice been endorsed by a radical anti-abortion group seeking to outlaw the procedure in Wisconsin. Tara Johnson is the clear progressive choice in this race.

Former La Crosse County Board member and United Way executive director Tara Johnson has spent much of her career working to represent communities in western Wisconsin that are sometimes overlooked. Among her legislative priorities are protecting the right to choose an abortion, creating well-paying jobs, increasing access to affordable childcare and healthcare, and safeguarding our democracy. Johnson is running against Republican Representative Loren Oldenburg, who has twice been endorsed by a radical anti-abortion group seeking to outlaw the procedure in Wisconsin. Tara Johnson is the clear progressive choice in this race.