Wisconsin Conservation Voters Endorsements

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.

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.

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.

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 Sylvia Ortiz-Velez has been representing parts of Milwaukee since 2020 and is running unopposed for re-election. Ortiz-Velez supports increased funding for public transportation and infrastructure, legalizing medical marijuana, and tackling the opioid crisis. Ortiz-Velez is also advocating for making drivers licenses accessible to undocumented people, expanding BadgerCare, and investing in public education. While she is unopposed in this race, Sylvia Ortiz-Velez is the progressive choice.

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.

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.

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.

At 25, Kalan Haywood II is among the youngest legislators in the country and is the youngest African American ever elected to state office in Wisconsin. Recently elected as Assistant Democratic Leader in the state Assembly, Haywood lists key issues like education, economic development, and public safety as some of his top priorities. Kalan Haywood is running unopposed and is the progressive choice.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Fifth-generation Wisconsinite, former Fitchburg City Council member, and current Dane County Board supervisor Randy Udell knows the 47th Assembly District well. Recently retired from a long career in finance and telecommunications engineering, Udell wants to bring constituents from villages, small towns, and cities together to create positive solutions for Wisconsin. Udell will fight for expanding Medicaid, protecting the right to choose an abortion, and addressing climate change challenges. As the first publicly out LGBTQ+ person to serve as a local elected official in Fitchburg, Udell is also committed to codifying the freedom to marry who we love into state statutes. Randy Udell is unopposed in this race, and he is the progressive choice.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Steve Doyle is a moderate Democrat running for re-election to his seventh term as an Assembly member from the 94th District. When it comes to environmental issues, labor, and welfare, Doyle is relatively progressive. He was a leader in the fight against Act 10 and has a strong record on LGBTQ+ equality. While he is personally anti-choice, he has voted pro-choice as a legislator. He is a supporter of gun rights and has received an endorsement from the NRA in the past. However, he did co-sponsor a universal background check bill. Doyle is known for his bipartisanship. His challenger, Republican candidate Ryan Huebsch, has worked for multiple Republican legislators and is endorsed by an extreme right wing group that supports Wisconsin's criminal abortion ban, which prohibits abortion even in cases of rape or incest. Although Doyle is not as progressive as some other legislators, he has always stood up for progressive issues like labor rights, public schools, and the environment when it counts. Doyle 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.

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.