MADISON, Wis. — With only two weeks until the election, Wisconsin Democrats have a chance to flip the State Assembly for the first time in over a decade. Across the Badger State, local Democratic candidates are running to expand access to affordable health care, restore reproductive freedoms, and bring down costs for working families. And Wisconsinites statewide are taking note. 

See what Wisconsinites are saying about their local Democratic Assembly candidates:

Jennifer Gottwald, Mount Horeb: “Living in Mount Horeb, I am excited to be part of the new state Assembly District 51 — stretching west from Dane County through Iowa County and Lafayette County to Grant County. And I’m even more excited to be supporting Elizabeth Grabe to represent our new district. Grabe embodies much of what southwestern Wisconsin is. She’s a farm manager who understands that protecting our land and water for future generations is not only right, but also promotes a healthy agriculture industry. She’s a product of small-town schools that support strong public education for every community, and she’s an active community volunteer with Rotary and our village Sustainability and Natural Resources Committee.”

Mary McComb, Stevens Point: “Vinnie Miresse will be a wonderful Assembly representative for his constituents. I’ve known and worked with Vinnie for several years. He is straightforward and open—no hidden agendas for Vinnie. He is also an attentive listener, open to advice and new ideas. As a retired communication professor, I’ve watched Vinnie’s County Board activity; his ability to communicate honestly and diplomatically are impressive. Vinnie also has the legislative experience needed to be effective from Day 1. Vinnie’s concern and his expertise about climate change, food sources, and the economy come from his care for everyday people. I trust him to represent us, the ordinary folks of District 71.”

Charlotte Jerney, Verona: “When I served as Verona District 3 Alder (2018-2021) and was a member of the Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Commission, I worked with Mike Bare, who chaired the Commission. Mike led the Commission in monitoring city resources in park maintenance and upkeep to ensure safe and accessible recreational opportunities for Verona families and residents… Mike has served at the city, county, and state levels and at each level initiated and promoted legislation in support of healthy schools and neighborhoods, and a sustainable environment by protecting our land, air, and water. Representative Mike Bare continues this advocacy and has proven to be a distinguished and dedicated representative for the 80th District.”

Sarah Rudolph, Wausau: “While highly tempting, becoming immune to the falsehoods bombarding us in campaign advertising can only make us complicit. A television ad attacking Yee Leng Xiong, running to represent Wisconsin’s 85th in the State Assembly, strikes me as too pernicious to go unchecked. This ad is funded by a political action committee calling itself Wisconsin Principles, not Xiong’s opponent, incumbent Pat Snyder. However, to my knowledge, Snyder has not refuted the PAC’s jarring claims, though he has most likely seen the ad – one sorely lacking in principles of honesty and fairness. I had the privilege of having Mr. Xiong as a student on the local UW campus where he proved a thoughtful, considerate and hard-working student. Since that time, Xiong has worked exceptionally hard to serve this community. Indeed, he began his formal service at age 19 when elected to the D.C. Everest Area School Board and has remained active since. He projects a calm caring demeanor. Xiong would be the first Hmong American to serve in the Assembly, a long overdue representation given our demographics.”

Monica Kruse, Onalaska: “The onslaught of ugly negative campaign ads during this election cycle has been truly distressing. Among the most relentlessly targeted candidates is our own Steve Doyle, the 94th Assembly District representative being challenged by a well-funded newcomer. I am delighted that Steve has not stooped to the level of his opponent, and has instead focused on showcasing his stellar work representing us in Madison. As Steve’s La Crosse County Board colleague, I see firsthand his dedication to solving local issues, his in-depth understanding of the interplay of local and state politics and his ability to network with colleagues across the political spectrum to find solutions to our most challenging problems.”

Jill Rechtfertig, Sheboygan: “In response to “Who is Joe Sheehan?” and other dark ads, it is obvious you are speaking politically and do NOT know Joe. I DO know Joe over many years and know he is not the unethical man you portray. I first met Joe Sheehan in the 1990s when he was the loving, involved father of one of my students at Grant Elementary School. Then, I knew him as the superintendent of schools in the SASD where I taught. At that time, he was known and respected by parents, students and teachers alike for his willingness to listen and work together to benefit the child. I now know Joe as a friend and candidate for the Assembly of the 46th District of Wisconsin, where many of you and I live. Through these years, Joe has made a name for himself as someone who has a heart, someone who listens, someone who goes the extra mile to do the right thing. When I think of Joe, words like “authentic,” “compassionate,” “hardworking,” “competent,” “trustworthy” and “consensus-building” come to mind. This is the man I know to be true, the one you and I can be proud to represent us in Madison. For these reasons, I will be voting for Joe, and I greatly encourage you to do the same.”

Megan Starck, Janesville: “As winner of the Democratic primary for Wisconsin Assembly District 44, Ann Roe, is the best candidate for this seat being vacated by Sue Conley. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. She has worked for Kodak and Northwest Airlines. Ann taught in the Economics Department at UW-Whitewater for 20 years and has held leadership roles in our community with Downtown Janesville, Inc. and The Janesville Woman’s Club. She owns a small business that helps high school students navigate their future after high school. Ann knows what it takes to face the revenue formulas that have handicapped the School District of Janesville for so many years. She plans to work for lower childcare costs, increased availability of affordable housing and reasonable healthcare for everyone in Wisconsin to name a few of her priorities. She is pro-choice and will address women’s right to choose what is best for them personally.”

Cynthia Holt, Fort Atkinson: “Having lived in Fort Atkinson for the past 17 years, I can personally attest that Joan Fitzgerald is the best choice for state Assembly in District 46. For all of her adult life, Fitzgerald has been committed to the betterment of our community, county and state. She taught math in Jefferson public schools for 33 years, served on the Jefferson County Board for two terms, and has volunteered for years to prevent gun violence. She is the only candidate in the race to have earned the endorsement of Everytown for Gun Safety and the “Gun Sense Candidate Distinction” from Moms Demand Action. She supports the freedom of women to make choices about their own health care and reproductive decisions.”