WEAC Endorsements

Green Bay-area voters may recognize her face from years as a journalist on the local news, but the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022 galvanized Kelly Peterson into becoming active in progressive politics. While in journalism, she produced segments on many important local issues like agriculture, education, and human trafficking. Her legislative priorities are protecting the right to choose an abortion, supporting family farms, and listening closely to her constituents’ concerns. Peterson faces Republican Senator Eric Wimberger, who has previously been endorsed by a radical anti-abortion organization seeking to outlaw the procedure in Wisconsin. Kelly Peterson is the 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.

Paul Hambleton is a former English and special education teacher who has also worked in public education advocacy. A resident of rural Wisconsin, he recognizes the importance of strong local economies, as well as ready access to healthcare, and knows that clean air and water are necessities for all of us. Hambleton is opposed by Republican Senator Rob Stafsholt, who received a 100% rating on the 2023-24 legislative scorecard for Wisconsin Family Action, an extremist conservative organization. Paul Hambleton is the progressive choice in this race.

Former construction company owner and current insurance adjuster Andi Rich is a strong believer in environmental protection, citing PFAS remediation and clean water as major issues for her as she campaigns to defeat Republican incumbent Mary Felzkowski. Rich also believes in supporting strong public schools, ending partisan gridlock in Madison, and decreasing taxpayer spending. While Rich ran as a Republican in the 89th Assembly District’s 2020 primary against John Nygren to combat his inaction on PFAS issues, she is running as a Democrat in 2024, and she is the more 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.

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.

Small business owner Michael Rapp believes in bringing the Golden Rule to the State Senate. He plans to fight for strong public schools, affordable and accessible healthcare, and an economy where everyone pays their fair share. Rapp is opposed by Republican Senator Dan Feyen, who has previously been endorsed by an extreme anti-abortion group seeking to ban the procedure without exception. Michael Rapp is the more progressive choice in this race.

Senator Bob Wirch has been representing the southeastern area of Wisconsin in the state Legislature for over 30 years. A lifelong resident of Kenosha, he believes strongly in access to affordable healthcare, quality public education, and mental health treatment. He is deeply committed to improving workers’ rights and building positive economic development. Wirch is running unopposed in this race and is the progressive choice.

Collin McNamara believes Central Wisconsin, where he was born and raised, holds strong values of honesty and integrity that need to be represented in the State Senate. McNamara is interested in improving the region’s infrastructure, increasing accessibility to affordable healthcare, and keeping local communities safe. McNamara’s opponent is Senator Patrick Testin, 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. Collin McNamara is the progressive choice in this race.

Wisconsin native Kelda Roys has been serving in the Legislature since 2008, standing up for the rights of women, the needs of families, and the dignity of workers. She is an ardent supporter of the right to choose an abortion, having formerly worked as executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin, and is well-known for confronting her GOP colleagues in the Senate on their radical proposals. Outside of the Capitol, Roys is also a small business owner, an attorney, and an entrepreneur. Roys is running unopposed in this race and is the progressive choice.

Jamie Wall is a Brown County native who has worked in economic development for much of his career. He also holds a great deal of experience in consulting with local and national businesses to find solutions to challenging problems. This led Wall to establish New North, an organization that promotes local jobs and business development in Green Bay, Brown County, and northeastern Wisconsin as a whole. Wall’s legislative priorities are addressing rising housing and healthcare costs, protecting the right to choose an abortion, and ensuring clean water access to all in Wisconsin. Wall is running against Republican Jim Rafter. Wall is the progressive choice in this race.

Senator Brad Pfaff was born and raised in the La Crosse area on a family farm, and has been representing the region in the Senate since 2021. Local agriculture is a major priority for Pfaff, and he has held numerous leadership positions in the agricultural industry over his career. Pfaff also cares deeply about promoting environmental responsibility, rural economies, robust infrastructure, and care for our veterans and elderly. Pfaff’s opponent in this election is Republican candidate Stacey Klein, who supports Wisconsin’s previously in-effect 1849 abortion ban. Pfaff is the progressive choice in this race.

Kewaunee local Renee Paplham was galvanized to run for office after the reversal of Roe v. Wade in 2022. She is passionate about restoring and maintaining the right to choose an abortion, and wants to put an end to the bitter partisan politics in the Assembly chambers. Paplham is also concerned about the burdens on working families; she supports raising the minimum wage, increasing access to affordable housing, and expanding Medicaid to all Wisconsinites. As a substitute teacher, she is well-versed in the needs of our public schools, particularly the necessity for more investment in rural districts and in special needs students. Paplham’s opponent is Republican Representative Joel Kitchens, who has been endorsed by a radical right-wing group seeking to abolish abortions, as well as by the NRA. Renee Paplham is the clear progressive choice in this race.

Navy veteran Alicia Saunders wants to serve in the Assembly to give power to the voice of people in her district, rather than corporations, lobbyists, and the wealthy. She was deployed in Operation Iraqi Freedom and honorably discharged when she chose not to reenlist. Since her military service, Saunders has worked a variety of blue-collar jobs where she maintains a strong work ethic and a commitment to integrity. If elected, Saunders plans to fight for the rights of working people and veterans, support the right to choose an abortion, and empower farmers to use sustainable methods. Saunders is opposed by Republican Representative Shae Sortwell, who was endorsed in 2020 by an extreme right wing group that wants to ban abortion without exception, even when the pregnant person's life is at risk. Alicia Saunders is the clear progressive choice in this race.

Industrial electrician Jason Schmitz is running to represent the 3rd Assembly District. He is strongly pro-union, having served on the Executive Board for the United Steelworkers Local at Neenah Foundry, and is part of the Executive Board for the Area Labor Council. Schmitz believes in increasing the state minimum wage and prioritizing initiatives to Buy American. He also volunteers for the Outagamie County CERT (Community Emergency Response Team). Schmitz is opposed by Republican Representative Ron Tusler, who has been endorsed by extreme anti-abortion groups seeking to outlaw the procedure even in cases of rape or incest. Schmitz is the more progressive choice in this race.

Jane Benson is running to be a fair and honest voice for everyone in the 4th Assembly District, not just the few. A former entrepreneur, small business owner, and longtime Election Day poll worker, Benson has been particularly active in fighting for fair maps in Wisconsin. As a candidate, Benson's top four priorities are the tackling the issues she hears about most on the campaign trail: fighting for clean water, including addressing PFAS contamination; pushing for adequate public school funding; ensuring all Wisconsinites have full reproductive rights and the ability to choose whether and when to have a family; and expanding access to high-speed internet. Benson is opposed by Republican Representative Dave Steffen, who has been endorsed by extreme anti-abortion groups seeking to outlaw the procedure even in cases of rape or incest. Jane Benson 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.

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.

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.

Logistics professional, community volunteer, and mom of two teenagers, Sarah Harrison is passionate about advocating for public education, tax relief for our working families, and accessible healthcare for all. Harrison has devoted volunteer time to addressing hunger mitigation and environmental cleanup, as well as tutoring at-need students in her community. Harrison promises to work day in and day out to bring positive results to the newly redrawn 15th District by fighting to fund public education, supporting the middle class, bringing fairness and opportunity to workers, and restoring reproductive freedom in Wisconsin. Sarah Harrison is the progressive choice in this race.

Born and raised in Milwaukee, Representative Supreme Moore Omokunde is running for re-election in the 17th Assembly District. Prior to joining the Assembly, Moore-Omokunde served on the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors. Now seeking his third term in the legislature, Moore Omokunde's top priorities are criminal justice reform, decriminalizing marijuana, ending reckless driving, expanding healthcare access, ensuring affordable housing, and promoting economic development. Supreme Moore Omokunde is running unopposed in this race and is the progressive choice.

Wauwatosa’s first Black alderwoman, Margaret Arney, has worked in different roles in the nonprofit sector for over 30 years. She is passionate about the role of unions in Wisconsin, and plans to promote and protect them if elected. The right to choose an abortion is also a cornerstone of her campaign, as well as investment in senior care and excellent public schools. Arney is opposed by Republican candidate Kevin Anderson. Margaret Arney is the progressive choice in this race.

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.

State Representative Chris Sinicki has been serving in the legislature since 1999 and has been a progressive advocate on many occasions. She supports a woman's right to choose, public education, and raising the minimum wage, and has been a legislative leader on fighting for policies that support working people. She has been named Conservation Champion by the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters eight times. Also running in the 20th Assembly District is Republican Mike Moeller. Chris Sinicki is the progressive choice in this race.

David Marstellar is a floricultural industry professional and heart transplant survivor. He believes in the value of listening to others before speaking, a skill sorely needed in the Legislature, and will fight for every Wisconsinite to be able to receive the life-saving healthcare that he did. Marstellar knows how critical unions are to a strong middle class, and how important the right to choose an abortion is to people who can become pregnant. Marstellar’s opponent is Republican Representative Jessie Rodriguez, who has consistently cast anti-choice, anti-public education, anti-environment, and anti-democracy votes. David Marstellar is the clear progressive choice in this race.

English as a Second Language educator Dana Glasstein has been a resident of Ozaukee County for the last 25 years and is running to represent the newly reshaped 22nd Assembly District. Recently, she was a plaintiff in the lawsuit that resulted in fairer legislative maps in Wisconsin. If elected, Glasstein wants to prioritize the right to choose an abortion, affordable and accessible healthcare, and quality public schools. She is particularly passionate about fighting the Republican refusal to expand Medicaid in our state despite widespread public support. A military spouse and mother, she supports Wisconsin’s veterans and active service members. Opposing Glasstein is Republican Representative Paul Melotik, who has consistently cast anti-choice, anti-public education, anti-environment, and anti-democracy votes. Dana Glasstein is the clear progressive choice in this race.

One of only two Wisconsin candidates to flip a Republican-held seat in 2020, Deb Andraca is running for her third Assembly term to continue fighting for action on climate change, BadgerCare expansion, and adequate funding for Wisconsin public schools. A teacher and community volunteer, Andraca has been vocal in calling for legislation to end gun violence in Wisconsin and was the lead author of a bill to enact nonpartisan redistricting in Wisconsin. Her opponent is Republican candidate Laurie Wolf. Deb Andraca is the progressive choice in this race.

As a product of Germantown public schools, William Walter believes that our students deserve nothing less than the best education possible. He will fight for public education, because he knows good schools are a cornerstone of our society. Walter strongly supports the right to choose an abortion and understands the necessity of expanding Medicaid in Wisconsin. He knows that housing costs have become prohibitively expensive for far too many families, and wants to fight against the unfair corporate and private equity hoarding of the housing stock. Walter faces Republican Representative Dan Knodl, who has repeatedly been endorsed by the most radical anti-abortion organizations in Wisconsin. William Walter is the progressive choice in this race.

Retired commercial airline pilot and former union steward Steven Welch is running for Assembly because he knows the value of workers’ rights and fair wages. Welch believes in protecting the right to choose an abortion, fully funding our public schools, lowering the costs of medical care, and safeguarding our democracy. He has also publicly denounced Project 2025 as detrimental to veterans. Welch is opposed by Republican Representative Paul Tittl, who has been endorsed by Wisconsin's most extreme anti-abortion groups. Stephen Welch is the more progressive choice in this race.

Former Sheboygan Area School District Superintendent Joe Sheehan is running to represent the 26th Assembly District because he believes elected leaders should be responsive to their constituents. Sheehan knows from experience that our public schools are underfunded, and he will fight for increased state funding to ensure Wisconsin kids get the best education possible. Sheehan strongly supports the right to choose an abortion and will work toward providing relief for families burdened by rising costs. Sheehan is opposed by Republican Representative Amy Binsfield, who was named a “School Choice Champion” by a pro-voucher schools organization. Joe Sheehan is the progressive choice in this race.

Kay Ladson knows the meaning of a strong work ethic and the importance of family from her childhood on a dairy farm in southern Wisconsin. She has carried those values with her through her work as a business education teacher, a finance professional, and an IT instructor. Ladson leads with equality as her cornerstone principle and wants to fight for all Wisconsin families to have access to great public schools, quality healthcare, and safe roads. She believes deeply in Wisconsin’s motto of “Forward” and wants to stop rightwing politicians from hijacking our democracy. Ladson is opposed by Republican candidate Lindee Brill, who holds values aligned with Wisconsin’s most extreme anti-abortion groups and who believes the 2020 presidential election was stolen. Kay Ladson is the progressive choice in this race.

Terry Schoonover is a native of Loyal, Wisconsin and has a background in business management and electronics engineering. He is a lifelong outdoor enthusiast and has actively been restoring the prairie on which he owns property. He is active in the local community, serving on boards of the American Red Cross and League of Women Voters - Greater Chippewa Valley. While living in Minnesota and working at Mayo Clinic for 20 years, Schoonover was part of Joint Religious Legislative Coalition, an interfaith activist group that encourages people of faith to participate in politics. Top priorities for Schoonover include environmental protection, access to healthcare, and economic development. He faces Representative Treig Pronschinske, who has voted in lockstep with the Republican Party to ban abortion in almost all cases. Terry Schoonover 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.

John Henderson is a successful businessman and lifelong citizen of the Elkhorn area. His long career in the real estate industry has shown him the many problems of today’s housing market, where many families cannot afford homes. Henderson believes in the right to choose an abortion and will fight to expand Medicaid in Wisconsin. He also supports adequate funding for our public schools and reforming state immigration law so that undocumented Wisconsinites can receive drivers’ licenses. Henderson’s opponent is Republican Representative Tyler August, who has previously been endorsed by a radical anti-abortion group that seeks to ban the procedure completely, without exceptions. John Henderson is the progressive choice in this race.

Navy veteran Ben Murray is running for State Assembly to help end the tiresome gridlock and partisan bickering that has become so common in the Legislature. He is a strong believer in environmental protection, including access to clean water and investing in clean energy. He knows that housing costs have risen beyond the means of too many Wisconsinites. Murray also believes in increasing shared revenue so that rural areas have the resources they need to provide basic services to their residents. Murray is opposed by Republican Representative Jeffrey Mursau, who has a long record of embracing anti-abortion and anti-democracy positions. Ben Murray is the progressive choice in this race.

LaToya Bates has career experience in education, business, and social services. She leads a nonprofit organization serving victims of domestic and sexual abuse, as well as an event management company. Bates knows that Wisconsinites are facing rising costs everywhere, and is committed to finding relief for the middle class. Having worked as an educator, Bates is familiar with the struggles our schools and teachers are facing, and will fight for educational resources to be well-spent. She also plans to advocate for rural healthcare, including mental healthcare, and for the right to choose an abortion. Bates is running against Republican Representative Mark Born, who has previously been endorsed by an extremist group that wants to ban abortion, even in cases when the pregnant person's life is at risk. LaToya Bates is the clear progressive choice in this race.

Educator and school administrator Chris Gordon has lived in Wisconsin her entire life, and knows the keys to thriving rural communities are a strong local economy, high-quality schools, and dependable healthcare. She believes in achieving “equity and justice for all,” and plans to prioritize affordable housing and childcare as a member of the Assembly. Gordon is also keenly aware of water quality and environmental issues facing the 39th Assembly District, and wants to fight for improved infrastructure to safeguard central Wisconsin’s natural resources. Gordon is running against Republican Representative Alex Dallman, who has previously been endorsed by two of Wisconsin’s most radical anti-abortion organizations. Christine Gordon is the 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.

Richland County resident Julia Henley is an economic development and construction design professional. She envisions a Wisconsin where politicians don’t control reproductive decisions, where strong investments are made in public education and infrastructure, and where mental healthcare for rural communities is prioritized. She is particularly dismayed by Republicans’ refusal to accept federal money for Medicaid expansion. Henley is opposed by Republican Representative Tony Kurtz, who has been endorsed by groups that want to ban abortion in all cases, even when the pregnant person’s life is at risk. Julia Henley is the progressive choice in this race.

Dane County Supervisor and DeForest resident Maureen McCarville is running for the 37th Assembly District to fight for progress in the State Assembly. McCarville supports investing more in education, making healthcare more accessible, keeping Wisconsin's air, water, and land clean, enacting common sense gun safety measures, and protecting women's reproductive rights. McCarville, who served in the Wisconsin National Guard for nine years, also lists investing in Wisconsin's veterans as a priority. She is a long-time community volunteer, even getting recognized by the DeForest Windsor Area Chamber of Commerce as "volunteer of the year" for organizing the annual 4th of July parade. Opposing McCarville is Republican candidate Rebecca Witherspoon. Maureen McCarville is the progressive choice in this race.

Small business owner, former educator, and active community leader Anne Roe is running to represent the 44th Assembly District. Roe has been heavily involved in efforts to revitalize downtown Janesville, and as a 30-year resident of the city, she is in tune with local issues. She is interested in tackling Wisconsin’s affordable housing crisis, fighting for the right to choose an abortion, and raising the minimum wage. As a mother, Roe also knows that out-of-control healthcare and childcare costs are causing many families to struggle. She is running against Republican candidate Bruce Danielson, who supported the August referendums seeking to hamper state responses to emergency situations. Ann Roe is the progressive choice in this race.

Former Beloit city council president Clinton Anderson is running for reelection in the 45th Assembly District. Anderson is a lifelong Beloit resident who wants to help every Wisconsinite have a higher quality of life and believes government should start at the local level. His priorities include support for increasing funding for public schools and mental health access, expanding BadgerCare, raising the minimum wage, increasing access to childcare and quality affordable housing, and fighting for non-partisan redistricting reform. Anderson also favors efforts to move to renewable energy sources and is a strong supporter of workers' rights. Prior to his election to the Legislature, Anderson worked closely with YWCA Rock County and volunteered with Meals on Wheels. Clinton Anderson is unopposed in this race and is the progressive choice.

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.

Attorney and former legislative aide Andrew Hysell has over twenty years of public policy experience and plans to use his expertise to represent the 48th Assembly District. Hysell has worked to holistically support veterans, advocated for public education in underserved rural areas, and supported a nonprofit seeking to lower the cost of prescription drugs. He believes in legalizing cannabis, supporting small businesses, and investing in protection for our natural resources. Hysell also has promised, on day one of the new legislative session, to introduce an amendment to the state constitution expressly codifying the right to privacy - the right to choose an abortion, the right to marry who we love, and a right to contraception. He is opposed by Republican candidate Lisa Rubrich. Andrew Hysell is the progressive choice in this race.

Jenna Jacobson was elected to the Assembly in 2022 and previously served as Village of Oregon Trustee. Prior to her time in the Legislature, Jacobson worked as a Housing Program Specialist to help people get and stay in affordable, quality housing in Dane County. Jacobson promises to continue fighting 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 and reproductive freedom. Her opponent is Republican candidate Richard Johnson. Jenna Jacobson 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.

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.

Lifelong Neenah resident Duane Shukoski worked for nearly 40 years at Kimberly-Clark and now is seeking to represent the 53rd Assembly District. A proud product of local public schools, Shukoski’s priorities include fully funding public education, wisely stewarding Wisconsin’s natural resources, and protecting the right to choose an abortion. Shukoski is opposed by Republican candidate and former legislator Dean Kaufert, who was previously endorsed by an extreme anti-reproductive rights organization that wants to ban abortion even in cases of rape or incest. Duane Shukoski 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.

Winneconne-born Kyle Kehoe is a real estate professional and former police officer running to serve the residents of the 55th Assembly District. With housing costs skyrocketing across the state, Kehoe’s career in real estate makes him uniquely suited to work toward increasing access to affordable housing and fixing laws that unfairly favor landlords. He also believes strongly in increasing education funding so that local school districts will not have to call for referendums as frequently. He plans to fight for workers’ rights and the return of collective bargaining if elected to the Legislature. Kehoe supports the right to choose an abortion and will work to lower healthcare costs. Kehoe is running against Republican Representative Nate Gustafson, who has cast many anti-worker, anti-choice, and anti-environment votes in the Assembly. Kyle Kehoe is the progressive choice in this race.

Emily Tseffos is a Wisconsin native who has worked as a language arts and literature teacher, as well as an English as a Second Language instructor. She has been involved in politics since 2016 and chose to run for office now because she envisions a safer, healthier, and freer Wisconsin for her three children. Tseffos cares deeply about protecting reproductive freedom, keeping our schools and communities safe from gun violence, and preserving our beautiful natural environment. Tseffos is running against Republican Representative Dave Murphy, who has been repeatedly endorsed by the most extreme anti-abortion organizations in the state. Emily Tseffos is the clear progressive choice in this race.

Retired educator Ruth Caves knows from her decades of teaching experience that Wisconsin’s public schools need more support. Caves will fight for the right to choose an abortion, for a healthy environment, and for our democracy against MAGA Republicans. She supports labor unions and workers’ rights, as well as finding ways to make healthcare both more accessible and affordable to all Wisconsinites. She is running against Republican Representative Kevin Peterson, who has repeatedly cast anti-choice, anti-public education, anti-environment, and anti-democracy votes during his time in the Assembly. Ruth Caves is the progressive choice in this race.

Jack Holzman is a retired educator who taught in the Oak Creek-Franklin School District for over 3 decades. This experience has shown him how critical it is to invest in our public schools so that every child can get the high-equality education they deserve. Similarly, Holzman believes every Wisconsinite has the right to clean air to breathe and safe water to drink. He supports the right to choose an abortion and will fight for working families to get tax relief by forcing corporations to pay their fair share. Holzman is opposed by Republican Representative Rob Brooks, who has previously been endorsed by the most extreme anti-abortion organizations in Wisconsin. Jack Holzman is the clear progressive choice in this race.

Fond du Lac resident Joe Lavrenz is running for the 60th Assembly District seat. Lavrenz supports making higher education more affordable and accessible, legalizing marijuana, expanding access to affordable healthcare, and providing additional resources to smaller municipalities to address road safety issues. His opponent is Republican candidate Jerry O'Connor, 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. Lavrenz is the more 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.

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.

State Representative Tip McGuire is running for re-election to represent the 64th Assembly District. In his first two terms, McGuire helped introduce multiple pieces of important progressive legislation, including the Healthcare Heroes Act, which would provide paid sick leave, hazard pay, and no-cost COVID-19 healthcare coverage for frontline healthcare workers, and the Safer Wisconsin proposal, which would invest $115 million of state surplus resources in a broad array of public safety programs to strengthen communities and reduce crime. McGuire has also worked across the aisle to pass key components of his Main Street Recovery package, which provided relief to small business and working families. McGuire supports reproductive rights and promises to continue prioritizing support for the middle class by building a strong pathway to economic security. His opponent is Republican candidate Ed Hibsch. McGuire is the progressive choice in this race.

Kenosha small business owner and former educator Ben DeSmidt wants to see Wisconsin become the home of progressive policies once again. He wants to work toward creating more affordable housing, legalizing medical marijuana, and protecting the right to choose an abortion. DeSmidt is also passionate about green energy and safeguarding Wisconsin’s natural resources. Opposing DeSmidt is Republican candidate Brian Gonzales, who has appeared at events for Donald Trump and JD Vance. Ben DeSmidt is the clear 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.

Social worker and dairy farmer Jeff Foster frames his campaign around the values of freedom, family, and community. He recognizes that rural healthcare is in crisis, and the 67th district needs mental health support and expansion of Medicaid. As a grandfather of five, Foster is well aware of the unaffordable cost of healthcare for many Wisconsin families, and will also fight for paid family medical leave. His experience as a livestock farmer taught him about the importance of environmental sustainability and wisely stewarding our natural resources. Foster supports measures to address out-of-control housing costs and believes in the right to choose an abortion. Opposing Foster is Republican Representative Dave Armstrong, who has previously been endorsed by a radical anti-abortion group that wants to ban the procedure without exception. Jeff Foster is the 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.

Former credit union professional Suzanne Campbell is running for the 72nd Assembly District seat because she wants to be a part of moving Wisconsin forward. Campbell believes in the right to choose an abortion, will fight for the rights of our LGBTQ+ friends, family, and neighbors, and promises to advocate for better mental healthcare. As the daughter of a union family, she is also a strong supporter of workers’ rights and fair wages. Campbell is running against Republican Representative Scott Krug, who has previously been endorsed by two of Wisconsin’s most extreme anti-abortion organizations. Suzanne Campbell is the clear progressive choice in this race.

Angela Stroud is a longtime educator who is running for the 73rd Assembly District to support the regular people of the northwoods communities in Madison. Stroud believes in fighting for affordable housing, ensuring the right to choose an abortion remains possible, and protecting all of our natural resources, in particular the Lake Superior Watershed. She is passionate about the responsibility of being a good steward of Lake Superior and opposes the potential pipeline currently being discussed. As an educator married to another educator, Stroud knows the importance of quality public schools; she plans on fighting to update Wisconsin’s flawed funding formula and to restore collective bargaining rights. She is running against Republican candidate Frank Kostka. Angela Stroud is the clear progressive choice in this race.

Jane Kleiss has lived in Polk County for nearly 20 years, becoming a well-known community figure through her work on the Festival Theater Board of Directors, her food at Cafe Wren, and her personal chef service. Kleiss believes the obstructionism so common in our state politics must stop if we are to move forward. She supports the right to choose an abortion, fully funding public schools and protecting Wisconsin’s natural environment, and supporting working families with access to affordable childcare. Kleiss is running against Republican candidate Duke Tucker, who has aligned himself with one of Wisconsin’s most radical anti-abortion organizations. Jane Kleiss is the progressive choice in this race.

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 former 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.

A maternal health professional and board member of Wisconsin Early Childhood Association, Renuka Mayadev is knowledgeable about the issues facing Wisconsin families and ready to fight for them. Mayadev believes in improving access to the full spectrum of reproductive care, in pushing for policies to counteract climate change, and in fighting for pro-democracy measures like ballot drop boxes and nonpartisan redistricting. She also has experience fighting for public schools while an executive at United Way Central Ohio. Renuka Mayadev is running unopposed in the 77th Assembly District and is the progressive choice.

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.

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 conspiracy theories about the 2020 election. She is unopposed in this election, and is the progressive choice.

Small business owner and former Dane County supervisor Mike Bare is running for his second term representing the 80th Assembly District. In his first Assembly term, Bare championed common sense causes like affordable healthcare, fully funded public education, and natural resource protection. He also fought for our democracy by authoring a bill that would have automatically registered all Wisconsinites to vote. For his second term, Bare’s top three priorities are defending our democracy, protecting our rights including the right to a safe and legal abortion, and investing in communities. 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 Robert Relph. Mike Bare is the progressive choice in this race.

Alex Joers is running for a second term in the Assembly, following stints as a Dane County board supervisor and legislative aide. 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 put his knowledge, skills, and values to work by serving as legislative aide in the Wisconsin State Capitol. Joers' priorities include supporting small businesses, protecting our environment, investing in public education, and fighting for workers. Joers is also a strong defender of reproductive freedom, including the right to an abortion, and promises to fight for common sense gun safety laws. Joers is unopposed in this race and is the progressive choice.

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.

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.

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.