In the midst of strategic planning for the upcoming November elections, Wisconsin Democrats convened for their annual state gathering, setting sights on a potential political sweep in the state legislature.
The goal is to capture control of both the state Senate, requiring a gain of two seats, and the state Assembly, necessitating five seat turnovers. Retaining the governorship, as Governor Tony Evers nears his planned retirement in January, also remains a critical focus.
Throughout the convention, Tom Tiffany, the likely Republican gubernatorial candidate and current U.S. Representative, was a frequent topic of discussion.
The Democratic field remains crowded, with seven candidates competing for the party’s nomination ahead of the August primary, where no clear leader has yet emerged.
During the convention at the Monona Terrace in Madison, these seven Democratic candidates presented their visions for making Wisconsin more affordable and defeating Tiffany in the upcoming election.
Sara Rodriguez
Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez framed her candidacy as a dual battle against the Trump administration and for reducing costs in healthcare, groceries, and gas. Highlighting her travels across the state, she blamed Republican policies for issues like school funding and housing costs.
Rodriguez tied Tiffany to Trump, using his nickname “dam man,” stating, “MAGA extremists like Tom Tiffany do whatever Trump tells him to do, rubber stamping tax breaks for billionaires and leaving working people with the bill.” She emphasized her background as a nurse and healthcare executive turned legislator, having flipped a Republican seat in Waukesha.
Joel Brennan
Joel Brennan, former head of the Wisconsin Department of Administration, echoed Gov. Evers’ “fix the damn roads” slogan, focusing on middle-class access, healthcare, and public school funding. He launched a statewide ad campaign, contrasting his policies with those of former Governor Scott Walker, aiming to end the “Walker era.”
“This is not the American dream we know, and it isn’t the Wisconsin we dream that can be,” Brennan stated, emphasizing the importance of a Democratic trifecta to counter Trump policies and boost the state’s economy.
David Crowley
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley emphasized practical solutions, such as affordable housing and streamlined government services. He called for a coalition across Wisconsin to tackle these issues, addressing electability concerns regarding his race.
“If it’s a candidate with a track record of delivering results and winning, and not just talking about them, yes,” Crowley expressed, advocating for proven policies over popular polling trends.
Kelda Roys
State Senator Kelda Roys called the political climate “terrifying” and criticized the Trump administration as authoritarian. Her platform includes paid family leave, universal childcare, and expanding public insurance options. She urged readiness for a Democratic trifecta but cautioned against complacency.
“We cannot afford to lose the governorship with Trump in office, and we cannot afford a nominee who costs us our best chance at a trifecta in a generation,” Roys argued, emphasizing the need for seasoned leadership.
Mandela Barnes
Former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes criticized economic inequality, drawing reactions with mentions of Elon Musk as a trillionaire. He stressed fighting corruption and corporate greed, aligning himself with community-focused policies and recounting guidance from former President Obama following his Senate campaign loss.
“We need a governor that rejects the Washington way of rampant corruption and corporate greed,” Barnes declared, advocating for taxing the rich and rent control.
Francesca Hong
Francesca Hong received enthusiastic support, particularly for her stance on AI data centers. Highlighted as a frontrunner, she related her campaign to historical progressives like Robert LaFollette, emphasizing the need for genuine Democratic ideals beyond mere Trump opposition.
“If we don’t give people something that they can believe in, we’ll go back to fighting for survival every single election,” Hong warned, stressing the necessity for substantial Democratic action.
Missy Hughes
Missy Hughes emphasized her economic development experience, advocating for small businesses and economic growth. She recounted her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and her work with the Foxconn property transformation.
“Wisconsinites are with us. They will trust us to deliver economic justice, but they know that in order to have economic justice, you have to have economic growth,” Hughes stated, advocating for a candidate with a record of economic success.
