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EMILY'S List

EMILY'S List Endorsements

EMILY’s List’s vision is to be a driving force of change in America. By electing more Democratic pro-choice women to national, state and local office, EMILY’s List will consistently infuse our government with leaders who will drive change. Change that truly matters today, tomorrow and forever.

State Senate

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

State Senator, District 08

Jodi Habush Sinykin is a long-time community leader, well-respected environmental lawyer, and mother of four who grew up in Fox Point and now lives in Whitefish Bay. She is also a business owner who has experience keeping well-paying jobs here in Wisconsin, a key part of strengthening local economies. Jodi is a strong supporter of women's reproductive rights who has pledged to prioritize quality public schools and to keep our communities safe. Jodi's opponent is conservative state legislator Duey Stroebel, who is endorsed by an extreme right wing group that wants to ban all abortion without exception, even when the pregnant person's life is at risk, and who signed a January 2021 letter asking then-Vice President Pence to refuse to certify the 2020 presidential election results. Jodi Habush Sinykin is the clear progressive choice in this race.

Jodi Habush Sinykin is a long-time community leader, well-respected environmental lawyer, and mother of four who grew up in Fox Point and now lives in Whitefish Bay. She is also a business owner who has experience keeping well-paying jobs here in Wisconsin, a key part of strengthening local economies. Jodi is a strong supporter of women's reproductive rights who has pledged to prioritize quality public schools and to keep our communities safe. Jodi's opponent is conservative state legislator Duey Stroebel, who is endorsed by an extreme right wing group that wants to ban all abortion without exception, even when the pregnant person's life is at risk, and who signed a January 2021 letter asking then-Vice President Pence to refuse to certify the 2020 presidential election results. Jodi Habush Sinykin is the clear progressive choice in this race.

State Senator, District 14

Sarah Keyeski is a mental health counselor and nonprofit founder born and raised in Wisconsin. Keyeski grew up on a family farm and understands what it means to be part of a close-knit rural community. As a mother of six children and wife of a cancer survivor, her largest legislative priorities are quality public schools, accessible childcare, and affordable healthcare. Keyeski believes divisive politics are not beneficial for Wisconsin, and plans to work with anyone in the Legislature who shares her values. Keyeski’s opponent in this election is Senator Joan Ballweg, who has been endorsed by an extreme right wing group that wants to ban abortion without exception, even when the pregnant person's life is at risk. Sarah Keyeski is the progressive choice in this race.

Sarah Keyeski is a mental health counselor and nonprofit founder born and raised in Wisconsin. Keyeski grew up on a family farm and understands what it means to be part of a close-knit rural community. As a mother of six children and wife of a cancer survivor, her largest legislative priorities are quality public schools, accessible childcare, and affordable healthcare. Keyeski believes divisive politics are not beneficial for Wisconsin, and plans to work with anyone in the Legislature who shares her values. Keyeski’s opponent in this election is Senator Joan Ballweg, who has been endorsed by an extreme right wing group that wants to ban abortion without exception, even when the pregnant person's life is at risk. Sarah Keyeski is the progressive choice in this race.

State Senator, District 18

A longtime advocate and volunteer who serves on Appleton's Common Council, Kristin Alfheim is running for Senate because she believes everyone deserves a fair chance to succeed. Alfheim's top priorities include ensuring that all kids get a solid, well-rounded education in Wisconsin, that residents have good paying jobs, that environmental policy decisions are based on science and lead to carbon neutrality by 2050, and that large corporations pay their fair share in taxes. Raised on a beef farm, Alfheim knows the value of hard work, problem-solving, and good communication, and she brings these values to her volunteer work with nonprofit groups like the Alzheimer's Association of Greater Wisconsin. Alfheim is the progressive choice in this race.

A longtime advocate and volunteer who serves on Appleton's Common Council, Kristin Alfheim is running for Senate because she believes everyone deserves a fair chance to succeed. Alfheim's top priorities include ensuring that all kids get a solid, well-rounded education in Wisconsin, that residents have good paying jobs, that environmental policy decisions are based on science and lead to carbon neutrality by 2050, and that large corporations pay their fair share in taxes. Raised on a beef farm, Alfheim knows the value of hard work, problem-solving, and good communication, and she brings these values to her volunteer work with nonprofit groups like the Alzheimer's Association of Greater Wisconsin. Alfheim is the progressive choice in this race.

State Assembly

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

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 40

As a Baraboo resident of 30 years and CEO of Boys and Girls Clubs of West Central Wisconsin for the last 12 years, Karen DeSanto is a trusted community leader who knows the needs of her district well. DeSanto is committed to moving Wisconsin forward by increasing access to mental healthcare, protecting and preserving our natural resources, and supporting small businesses. She is a strong supporter of the right to choose an abortion and fully investing in our public schools. DeSanto is opposed by Republican candidate Gerald Helmer, a local conservative activist with a record of embracing extremist positions like banning abortion. Karen DeSanto is the clear progressive choice in this race.

As a Baraboo resident of 30 years and CEO of Boys and Girls Clubs of West Central Wisconsin for the last 12 years, Karen DeSanto is a trusted community leader who knows the needs of her district well. DeSanto is committed to moving Wisconsin forward by increasing access to mental healthcare, protecting and preserving our natural resources, and supporting small businesses. She is a strong supporter of the right to choose an abortion and fully investing in our public schools. DeSanto is opposed by Republican candidate Gerald Helmer, a local conservative activist with a record of embracing extremist positions like banning abortion. Karen DeSanto is the clear progressive choice in this race.

Representative, District 43

Brienne Brown is a well-respected leader in her community, having been elected to three terms on the Whitewater City Council. Brown is an educator, hunter, and small business owner who understands the challenges faced by many different groups of people in our state. She believes in the right to choose an abortion, in the necessity of investing in local public safety, and common sense gun laws. Brown also wants to fight for better infrastructure and internet access for the 43rd Assembly District. She is running against Republican Representative Scott Johnson, who has previously been endorsed by radical anti-abortion groups seeking to outlaw the procedure in Wisconsin. Brienne Brown is the clear progressive choice in this race.

Brienne Brown is a well-respected leader in her community, having been elected to three terms on the Whitewater City Council. Brown is an educator, hunter, and small business owner who understands the challenges faced by many different groups of people in our state. She believes in the right to choose an abortion, in the necessity of investing in local public safety, and common sense gun laws. Brown also wants to fight for better infrastructure and internet access for the 43rd Assembly District. She is running against Republican Representative Scott Johnson, who has previously been endorsed by radical anti-abortion groups seeking to outlaw the procedure in Wisconsin. Brienne Brown is the clear progressive choice in this race.

Representative, District 46

Joan is a former Jefferson County Board supervisor, a Wisconsin native who has taught high school math for 33 years, and a mom of two. While teaching, Fitzgerald was an active member of the Jefferson Education Association and served as President, Vice President, and Treasurer, as well as sitting on the Negotiations Team. As part of the County Board, Fitzgerald was chair of the Broadband work group and developed partnerships with businesses to bring in $5 million of grant money for Jefferson County. She is passionate about making sure Wisconsinites can access affordable childcare, can send their children to strong public schools, and can live in safe neighborhoods free from gun violence. Opposing Fitzgerald is Republican candidate Jenifer Quimby. Joan Fitzgerald is the progressive choice in this race.

Joan is a former Jefferson County Board supervisor, a Wisconsin native who has taught high school math for 33 years, and a mom of two. While teaching, Fitzgerald was an active member of the Jefferson Education Association and served as President, Vice President, and Treasurer, as well as sitting on the Negotiations Team. As part of the County Board, Fitzgerald was chair of the Broadband work group and developed partnerships with businesses to bring in $5 million of grant money for Jefferson County. She is passionate about making sure Wisconsinites can access affordable childcare, can send their children to strong public schools, and can live in safe neighborhoods free from gun violence. Opposing Fitzgerald is Republican candidate Jenifer Quimby. Joan Fitzgerald is the progressive choice in this race.

Representative, District 51

Elizabeth Grabe is a conservationist and active member of the Mount Horeb community. She is deeply passionate about Wisconsin’s precious natural resources and will fight to protect them from corporate greed. Grabe also believes in the power of public schools and the necessity of improved infrastructure, including reliable high-speed internet, in the 51st Assembly District. Grabe is running against Republican Representative Todd Novak, who has twice been endorsed by one of Wisconsin’s most extreme anti-abortion organizations. Elizabeth Grabe is the progressive candidate in this race.

Elizabeth Grabe is a conservationist and active member of the Mount Horeb community. She is deeply passionate about Wisconsin’s precious natural resources and will fight to protect them from corporate greed. Grabe also believes in the power of public schools and the necessity of improved infrastructure, including reliable high-speed internet, in the 51st Assembly District. Grabe is running against Republican Representative Todd Novak, who has twice been endorsed by one of Wisconsin’s most extreme anti-abortion organizations. Elizabeth Grabe is the progressive candidate in this race.

Representative, District 52

Longtime Appleton resident and State Representative Lee Snodgrass believes that every Wisconsinite should have access to affordable healthcare, a well-paying job, and a clean environment. She is passionate about education, including restoring local school funding, holding private schools that receive publicly funded vouchers to higher standards, and investing in technical colleges. Snodgrass believes in marijuana legalization, nonpartisan redistricting, sustainable funding for roads and bridges, universal background checks for firearm purchases, and a woman's right to choose an abortion. She also favors supporting working families through paid family leave and minimum wage standards. Her opponent is Republican candidate Chad Cooke. Lee Snodgrass is the progressive choice in this race.

Longtime Appleton resident and State Representative Lee Snodgrass believes that every Wisconsinite should have access to affordable healthcare, a well-paying job, and a clean environment. She is passionate about education, including restoring local school funding, holding private schools that receive publicly funded vouchers to higher standards, and investing in technical colleges. Snodgrass believes in marijuana legalization, nonpartisan redistricting, sustainable funding for roads and bridges, universal background checks for firearm purchases, and a woman's right to choose an abortion. She also favors supporting working families through paid family leave and minimum wage standards. Her opponent is Republican candidate Chad Cooke. Lee Snodgrass is the progressive choice in this race.

Representative, District 54

Lori Palmeri is running for her second term as State Representative for the 54th Assembly District. Responsive, reliable, and results-focused, Palmeri has deep connections throughout Oshkosh stemming from her service in local office as mayor and deputy mayor, her membership on various boards and commissions in the community, and her leadership role in creating the Middle Village Neighborhood Association. Palmeri believes public policy should be centered on people, which is why she promises to champion fair wages and taxes, affordable housing, increasing access to affordable healthcare including expanding BadgerCare, strong public schools and a strong UW system, and a clean environment. Palmeri is also deeply committed to fighting for safe and legal abortion access. Also running is Republican candidate Tim Paterson. Lori Palmeri is the progressive choice in this race.

Lori Palmeri is running for her second term as State Representative for the 54th Assembly District. Responsive, reliable, and results-focused, Palmeri has deep connections throughout Oshkosh stemming from her service in local office as mayor and deputy mayor, her membership on various boards and commissions in the community, and her leadership role in creating the Middle Village Neighborhood Association. Palmeri believes public policy should be centered on people, which is why she promises to champion fair wages and taxes, affordable housing, increasing access to affordable healthcare including expanding BadgerCare, strong public schools and a strong UW system, and a clean environment. Palmeri is also deeply committed to fighting for safe and legal abortion access. Also running is Republican candidate Tim Paterson. Lori Palmeri 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 88

Manufacturing and business manager Christy Welch is running for the 88th Assembly District to fight for investing in public education, expanding Medicaid to offer medical care to all Wisconsinites, and protecting the right to choose an abortion. Welch recognizes that affordable and accessible childcare is a huge part of ensuring full participation in the workforce, because parents cannot work if their children don’t have care. As a longtime resident of Green Bay, she knows that our natural resources are precious and worth protecting for future generations. Welch is running against Republican candidate Ben Franklin, who has been awarded an A rating by the National Rifle Association. Christy Welch is the progressive choice in this race.

Manufacturing and business manager Christy Welch is running for the 88th Assembly District to fight for investing in public education, expanding Medicaid to offer medical care to all Wisconsinites, and protecting the right to choose an abortion. Welch recognizes that affordable and accessible childcare is a huge part of ensuring full participation in the workforce, because parents cannot work if their children don’t have care. As a longtime resident of Green Bay, she knows that our natural resources are precious and worth protecting for future generations. Welch is running against Republican candidate Ben Franklin, who has been awarded an A rating by the National Rifle Association. Christy Welch 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 95

Representative Jill Billings has been a progressive champion with an effective, consensus-based approach since getting elected to the Assembly in 2011. Known for her passionate advocacy on children's issues, Billings currently serves as co-chair of the bipartisan Legislative Children's Caucus where she helps bring policymakers together to develop and pass bills that address the needs of kids throughout Wisconsin. Additional priorities for Billings include supporting economic development at the local level, advocating for healthcare access and funding, including expanding BadgerCare and bringing federal healthcare dollars into Wisconsin, protecting reproductive freedom, and fighting for nonpartisan redistricting. Billings is also a vocal advocate for protecting Wisconsin's natural environment, supporting clean water policies, and fighting to address PFAS contamination. Her opponent is Republican candidate Cedric Schnitzler. Billings is the progressive choice in this race.

Representative Jill Billings has been a progressive champion with an effective, consensus-based approach since getting elected to the Assembly in 2011. Known for her passionate advocacy on children's issues, Billings currently serves as co-chair of the bipartisan Legislative Children's Caucus where she helps bring policymakers together to develop and pass bills that address the needs of kids throughout Wisconsin. Additional priorities for Billings include supporting economic development at the local level, advocating for healthcare access and funding, including expanding BadgerCare and bringing federal healthcare dollars into Wisconsin, protecting reproductive freedom, and fighting for nonpartisan redistricting. Billings is also a vocal advocate for protecting Wisconsin's natural environment, supporting clean water policies, and fighting to address PFAS contamination. Her opponent is Republican candidate Cedric Schnitzler. Billings 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.