Assembly District 65

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. Bob Wirch is running unopposed in this race and is the progressive choice.

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.

Kenosha County native Carli McNeill has been serving her community for over 13 years, first as an Assistant District Attorney and currently as the Deputy District Attorney. In 2019, she was recognized as a “Rising Star” by the Wisconsin District Attorneys Association, and in 2023, was awarded Deputy District Attorney of the Year. McNeill knows what it takes to be district attorney and plans to adapt to new technologies and advancements in criminal justice like facial recognition, artificial intelligence, and drones. She has prosecuted thousands of criminal cases and is also a proponent of the county’s diversion programs, which give individuals accused of low-level offenses the opportunity to make things right with those affected by their actions, instead of putting more people in jail. These diversion and treatment programs make it possible for McNeill and others to prosecute the most dangerous criminals to the fullest extent of the law. Also running for Kenosha County District Attorney is Xavier Solis. Carli McNeill is the progressive choice in this race.