MADISON, Wis. — For over a decade, Wisconsin’s gerrymandered maps have allowed Republicans to restrict reproductive freedom, abandon working families, and refuse to release funding to address Wisconsin’s PFAS crisis. But thanks to new, fair legislative maps, Wisconsinites will have a chance to elect Democrats like Sarah Keyeski, Jodi Habush Sinykin, Kristin Alfheim and Jamie Wall, and to reelect Braf Pfaff to protect our freedoms—and they’re rallying their neighbors to vote blue with them. 

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

Mari Larson, Sauk City: “We parents want our children to be happy and safe and to live in a thriving, secure society. All this depends on good public schools. And that is why I am voting for Sarah Keyeski for Wisconsin Senate. Keyeski does not support public dollars being spent on private school vouchers. She knows vouchers harm our public schools, children and communities. School vouchers use taxpayer dollars to fund private-school tuition for wealthier families at the expense of public school students and educators. A massive funding increase for Wisconsin’s school vouchers in 2023 led to growth in private schools getting taxpayer dollars. The total price tag now exceeds $500 million. Who made that happen? Keyeski’s opponent, Joan Ballweg.” 

Sara Dunstone, Cedarburg: “[Duey] Stroebel has repeatedly opposed common-sense policies like expanding BadgerCare to provide health care to more Wisconsinites, saving BILLIONS in state tax dollars. He’s opposed critical funding for Child Care Counts, making it harder for families to find affordable childcare. This hurts Wisconsin’s workforce and small businesses. Without continued investments in child care, more than 25% of childcare providers could close next year. His opposition to Paid Family and Medical Leave reveals his disregard for the struggles of working parents. […] I’m ready for fresh representation and Jodi Habush Sinykin’s in-touch policy proposals. I’ve spoken with her multiple times. She’s committed to improving the lives of Wisconsinites. Jodi will fight for fair wages and real middle-class tax cuts, protect retirement security and ensure families can access affordable childcare, health care and quality public education.”

Kelsey Schmidt, Holmen: “[…] Child care is hard to find, costly and puts a strain on already tight budgets. For working families like mine, it is our highest expense. Meanwhile, child care workers receive poor compensation, benefits and struggle to get by on razor-thin margins; grants once provided are ending. The increased expense of food and electricity costs ultimately result in increasing tuition. With 90% of brain development happening before the start of kindergarten, we cannot allow our children to be the ones to suffer. That’s where the state can step in with public investments to stabilize the childcare market — if our elected officials make it a priority. State Sen. Brad Pfaff has always prioritized child care. He has fought for continued funding for the Child Care Counts program and championed a bipartisan proposal to expand the child and dependent care tax credit. In January, three action items will be brought forward to better serve families and centers; including wage increases, state benefits and support for children with additional needs. I’m supporting Brad this November because he knows investing in child care is an investment in the future.” 

Mary Kohrell, Appleton: “Kristin [Alfheim] understands the priorities that have long been neglected by the Republican majority, from adequately funding childcare to investing in public schools to protecting our environment to reestablishing freedoms for voting rights to women’s reproductive rights. As a member of the Appleton Common Council, she understands first-hand the effects of our legislature’s failure to adequately fund our cities and municipalities, which leaves the burden for paying for essential services on the local governments themselves, resulting in higher property taxes. […] And unlike her opponent, Kristin believes that a woman ought to be able to make her own healthcare decisions. And while Kristin has been up front with her beliefs, her opponent has thus far refused to even respond to an invitation for a candidate roundtable from the Main Street Alliance, nor has he filled out answers to their questionnaires. Perhaps most important, Kristin is known as a level-headed negotiator, a council member who tries to forge deals between factions and find common ground. We need Kristin representing us in Madison.”

Judith J. Van Ryzin, Allouez: “Raised on a Wisconsin farm, Jamie [Wall] understands the value of hard work and the concerns of working families. He graduated from UW-Madison and was nominated for a Rhodes scholarship, then built a career as a business consultant, bringing people together, solving problems, and creating consensus, skills we urgently need in our Legislature. Jamie is committed to helping families deal with the rising costs of housing, health care, and child care. He is dedicated to lowering state taxes, protecting reproductive rights for families, and promoting local jobs that will stay in Wisconsin. He believes in improving educational opportunities for all so that everyone has a chance to succeed.”

Kelda Roys, State Senator for the 26th District: “Having talked to hundreds of voters in the new 14th Senate District, people are excited about Democratic candidate Sarah Keyseki, a mental health professional, mom, and community leader. Keyeski will fight for public schools, economic opportunity, affordable healthcare and housing, and reproductive freedom. Keyeski’s opponent, Joan Ballweg, is a MAGA Republican who couldn’t even vote for herself in the primary because she wasn’t registered to vote in the district. At a recent forum, both were asked whether abortion should be legal. Keyeski said yes. Ballweg refused to answer directly, but she’s racked up one of Wisconsin’s longest and most extreme anti-abortion, anti-birth voting records. Now that Ballweg is in a competitive district for the first time, she is deceiving voters about her views and votes. […] Fortunately, we don’t have to suffer under these cruel, backwards politicians any longer. With new fairer maps, we can elect Sarah Keyeski on November 5th – and ensure that Wisconsinites will be able to make our own healthcare decisions.”

Paul Wuensch, Rockland: “As we approach this critical election, it’s important to recognize the weight of our vote. As a proud Army veteran, I know the high costs of that freedom and prioritize electing leaders who honor that service. That’s why I’m supporting State Sen. Brad Pfaff this fall, because he has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to veterans and our families. Veterans often experience the strain of separation during deployment and struggle to reintegrate back into civilian life. Brad has worked to ease those challenges and make that transition smoother. He’s fought for family leave policies allowing those returning from deployment to spend much-needed time with their loved ones. Brad championed bipartisan legislation to expand tax benefits that would lower housing costs for veterans. He also supported efforts to make higher education more accessible to service members. Brad’s dedication to addressing our unique challenges reflects his genuine understanding and commitment to our community. I am confident that he will continue advocating for our causes with the same passion and dedication he has exhibited throughout his first term.”