Waupaca County

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.

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.

Former American Legion secretary, Boy Scout leader, Sunday School teacher, and stay-at-home mom Shirley Hinze is running for the 6th Assembly District because she believes her community deserves more from the Legislature. She knows that family farmers in Wisconsin are struggling and need help to compete with large mega-farms. As a longtime resident of Shawano, Hinze is aware that the rural parts of her district are missing convenient and high-quality medical care, and housing is becoming more and more unaffordable. She is also passionate about protecting our natural environment, and vows to listen to all constituents, regardless of party affiliation. Opposing Hinze is Republican Representative Elijah Behnke, who has previously been endorsed by three radical anti-abortion organizations. Shirley Hinze 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.

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.

Shawano County board member and Village of Wittenberg president William Switalla promises to be a positive change for the 87th Assembly District. A small business owner and father of seven, Switalla believes that government is about good ideas, not about political parties. Switalla will prioritize making our public schools strong and financially healthy, ensuring workers are paid a fair wage, and protecting the right to choose an abortion. Switalla wants to provide support for our hardworking local election officials and to invest in rural communities, so that all Wisconsinites can thrive. Also running is Republican candidate Brent Jacobson, who is aligned with one of Wisconsin’s most extreme anti-abortion organizations. William Switalla is the more progressive choice in this race.