WI AFL-CIO 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.

Former social worker and native Milwaukeean Dora Drake has been a well-respected lawmaker in Madison since 2020. Her previous work assisting formerly incarcerated individuals reenter their communities has informed her legislative agenda, and criminal justice reform is one of her largest priorities. Now running for State Senate, Drake brings with her a host of accomplishments from the Assembly, including sitting as the ranking Democrat on the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee and working on bills related to healthcare access and small business support. She also authored or co-sponsored bills increasing consumer protection, reforming the criminal justice system, and protecting our democracy. Dora Drake is running unopposed in the 4th Senate District, and she is the progressive choice in this race.

LaTonya Johnson has been representing the northwest area of Milwaukee in the Wisconsin Legislature for over ten years. A former in-home child care provider and president of her local AFSCME 502, Johnson intimately understands the struggles of small business owners, knows the importance of affordable child care, and prioritizes the creation of well-paying, family-supporting jobs. In her time in the statehouse, she has also focused on protections for missing and endangered children, as well as African-American women and girls. LaTonya Johnson is running unopposed, and she 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.

Former warehouse employee and paralegal Melissa Ratcliff has been involved in Dane County politics since being elected to the Cottage Grove Village Board in 2018. Since then, she has served three terms on the Dane County Board and one term in the State Assembly, all while continuing her paralegal career. Ratcliff now plans to serve as a full-time legislator working to increase investment in roads and public safety, ensure safe communities for our LGBTQ+ neighbors, and create more affordable housing. She is also a strong supporter of reproductive freedom and will fight Republican efforts to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion measures. Melissa Ratcliff is unopposed in this race and is the progressive choice.

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. Bob 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.

Former pastor Greg Sampson is troubled by the deep divisions sown by extreme politics in recent years. He believes that we can work together as neighbors to embody our state motto of “Forward”. Sampson is a strong supporter of the LGBTQ+ community and takes time to combat dis- and mis-information being spread by bad actors. As a former clergyman, he is committed to building bridges between people of all faiths and representing them equally in Madison. Sampson is running against Republican Representative Joy Goeben, who has been previously endorsed by two of the most radical anti-abortion organizations in the state. Greg Sampson is the more 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 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.

Small business owner, mother, and entrepreneur Priscilla Prado brings community and business development experience to her campaign for Assembly District 9. An accountant for over 20 years, Prado has worked for major law firms and now owns a bookkeeping business of her own. She is also a two-time heart attack survivor, giving her special insight into the need for healthcare reform. Prado will fight for increased access to affordable housing, investment in violence prevention programs, and support for mental health services. She is opposed by Republican candidate Ryan Antczak. Priscilla Prado 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.

Milwaukee County Supervisor of the 5th District Sequanna Taylor is running unopposed for Assembly District 11. Taylor is an experienced consultant, speaker, and trainer focused on uplifting her community and creating opportunities for Wisconsinites in every zip code. Her legislative priorities include fighting for affordable childcare, expanding Medicaid, and protecting victims of domestic violence. Sequanna Taylor is unopposed and is the progressive choice in this race.

Pastor and former Milwaukee County supervisor Russell Goodwin, Sr. has long known the importance of being a positive force for change in his community. One of Goodwin’s top legislative priorities is combating reckless driving, for which he has created a six-point plan to stop the problem and keep Milwaukee residents safer. Goodwin is also keenly aware of the struggles Wisconsinites are having with the cost of living, and plans to introduce measures to increase access to affordable housing and keep property taxes fair and reasonable. He is running against conservative independent candidate Deanna Alexander, who has previously been endorsed by an extreme organization seeking to ban abortion. Russell Goodwin, Sr. is the more 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.

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.

A veterinarian, small business owner, and president of the Western Wisconsin Health board of directors, Danielle Johnson is running for the 28th Assembly District to give back to the community that has given her so much since she settled in St. Croix County 15 years ago. Johnson is focused on fighting for Wisconsin families, freedoms and futures by expanding BadgerCare, making smart investments to create good-paying jobs, providing working families some relief from rising costs, strengthening the freedom to vote, finding state-level solutions to climate change, and fighting to expand broadband access. Johnson strongly supports a person's right to make their own reproductive healthcare decisions and believes abortion should be safe, legal and accessible in Wisconsin. Danielle Johnson 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.

Michael Dhindsa has declared job creation to be his number one priority if elected to the Legislature. He also plans to fight for increased K-12 education funding, healthcare access, and environmental stability. Dhindsa believes his youth will be an important asset to bringing new perspectives to the statehouse, and has vowed to meet regularly with constituents. Dhindsa is opposed by Republican Representative Amanda Nedweski, who has been endorsed by an anti-abortion group seeking to ban the procedure even in cases of rape or incest. Michael Dhindsa is the progressive choice in this race.

Al Kupsik is a former mayor of Lake Geneva. He has previously run for legislative office, but campaign and social media information for this race is minimal. He is challenging Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, who has been endorsed by extreme organizations seeking to ban abortion entirely in Wisconsin. Given his prior policy positions, Al Kupsik is the more progressive choice in this race.

Dennis Nitzel is an agronomist and research scientist. Nitzel wants to be part of the solution we can find for the high cost of childcare and for our stagnant minimum wage. He is focused on bringing these concerns of families in northern Wisconsin to the legislature in Madison. Nitzel is opposed by Republican Representative Rob Swearingen, who has consistently cast anti-choice, anti-public education, anti-environment, and anti-democracy votes. Dennis Nitzel is the more progressive choice in this race.

Wisconsin native and Merrill resident Elizabeth McCrank believes the voices of people in the 35th district deserve to be heard in Madison. McCrank has career experience as a carpenter and finisher in light construction, a teacher in adult education, and a librarian at the T.B. Scott Free Library in Merrill. She has also served on the Lincoln County Board of Supervisors since 2020. McCrank plans to focus on the needs of children and seniors if elected, and believes in the right to choose an abortion. She is also concerned about rural population decline, and the local climate for new businesses. McCrank is running against Republican Representative Calvin Callahan, who has previously been endorsed by two of Wisconsin’s most extreme anti-abortion organizations. Elizabeth McCrank 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.

Izzy Nevarez is the son of Mexican immigrants, and has a background in both the finance and nonprofit sectors. He remembers the safety nets that his family relied upon when he was growing up, such as affordable housing programs, and wants more families to be able to benefit from them. Nevarez believes all Wisconsinites need access to quality healthcare through BadgerCare expansion, and although the 38th district may not be the largest or the wealthiest, its citizens deserve just as much support as others. His opponent is Republican Representative William Penterman, who has previously been endorsed by two of Wisconsin’s most radical anti-abortion organizations. Izzy Nevarez is the 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.

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.

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.

Dr. Scott A. Walker has roots across southern Wisconsin, as he was born in Kenosha, attended Beloit College, and now lives in Grant County, where he runs a medical clinic for underserved and uninsured patients in Prairie du Chien. This has given Walker a clear view into the struggles facing Wisconsinites who suffer from Republicans’ refusal to accept funding to expand Medicaid. Dr. Walker also knows child care and elder care are not accessible for too many families, and will work to raise the minimum wage and provide subsidies. Dr. Walker is running against Republican Representative Travis Tranel, who has previously been endorsed by radical anti-abortion groups seeking to outlaw the procedure in Wisconsin. Dr. Scott A. Walker 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.

Deb Anderson is a former West Bend alderwoman and retired nonprofit director who has been serving the people of the 58th Assembly District for decades. She believes Wisconsin needs to move past partisan bickering and return to its values of inclusivity and unity. Anderson supports the right to choose an abortion, fully funded public schools, and increased access to healthcare, including mental healthcare. Anderson is opposed by Republican Representative Rick Gundrum, who has been endorsed by radical anti-abortion organizations aiming to outlaw the procedure, even when the pregnant person’s life is in danger. Deb Anderson is the clear 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.