Ben Wikler

Voters Throw Shade on Biden, Trump

Nearly 180,000 primary voters refused to vote for either. What's does that mean for Wisconsin?

Wisconsin Democrats on Spring Election Results

Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler Slams Trump’s Attacks on Health Care on ACA Anniversary

Democratic Party of Wisconsin Statement on Third Anniversary of American Rescue Plan

Democratic Party of Wisconsin Statement on President Biden’s State of the Union Address

MAGA Wisconsin GOP Pushed to Restrict IVF Access, Reproductive Freedom

Democrats Optimistic About New Voting Maps

'This is a sea change in Wisconsin politics.'

Parties Seek New Candidates in New Districts

New state legislative maps means races are the fairest and most wide open in 12 years.

Wisconsin Democrats Announce 2024 State Convention

Wisconsin Democrats on Enactment of New Legislative Maps

Biden Jobs Boom Keeps Boosting Wisconsin

Wisconsin Democrats Celebrate Black History Month

Democrats Crushing GOP in Fundraising

A 4-1 edge for state Democratic party last year, the biggest ever. And they have Scott Walker and Republicans to thank.

Wisconsin Democrats Welcome President Biden to Superior

Wisconsin Democrats Applaud Governor Evers’ State of the State Address

2024 Political Calendar Is Jam Packed

Lots of deadlines and dates culminating in presidential election where Wisconsin's vote could be crucial.

Wisconsin Democrats on the Passing of Senator Herb Kohl

Wisconsin Democrats Renew Call for Removal of Bob Spindell

Schimel Could Be Potent Supreme Court Candidate

He's run up big election totals in key counties and statewide running for attorney general.

Former Attorney General Brad Schimel Running For Wisconsin Supreme Court

Schimel, a Republican, enters 2025 race where conservatives hope to take back control of court.

Wisconsin Democrats on 2025 Wisconsin Supreme Court Race

Tammy Baldwin Could Still Face 2024 Challenger, Party Leaders Say

They point to Ron Johnson's surprise run in 2010. GOP hopes for well-funded challenger.

Less Than A Year Now Until Several High Stakes Elections

Campaigns are ramping up in anticipation of November 2024 election.

Republican Bullying Isn’t Working

Tactic is backfiring as Democrats and public officials resist.

Vos Says Impeaching Janet Protasiewicz Still An Option

Two former justices advised Assembly Speaker not to pursue it.

Wisconsin Democrats on GOP Impeachment Threats

Wisconsin Democrats on Findings of Secret GOP Impeachment Panel

Wisconsin Democrats on Supreme Court Decision To Hear Challenges To Legislative Maps

Ad Campaign Targets Republicans on Protasiewicz Impeachment

Six-figure ad buy by Republican Accountability Project targets GOP districts.

Judicial Commission Dismisses Complaints Against Protasiewicz

Her campaign comments on redistricting did not violate judicial code of ethics.

Democrats Launch $4 Million Blitz to Oppose Protasiewicz’s Impeachment

Party plans 'multi-pronged statewide campaign' to defend Supreme Court Justice.

Wisconsin Democrats on GOP Primary Debate

Republicans Two Seats From Veto-Proof Majorities

Just 2,498 votes assured that GOP legislators can't override Gov. Evers' vetoes.

The Legacy of Matt Rothschild

Leader of Wisconsin Democracy Campaign and former editor-publisher of Progressive Magazine is retiring.

Republicans Discuss Unity, Abortion at State Convention

"This is not your pop's Republican Party. We've got tattoos, piercings."

Democrats Rehire Wikler for 2024 Races

State party chair Ben Wikler has led Democrats to victories and has a growing national profile.

State Democratic Convention Hails Victories

Speakers call for fair maps by 2024 and Biden and Baldwin victories.

How Will AI Affect Next Election?

Artificial Intelligence could have a huge impact, ramping up disinformation in swing states like Wisconsin.

Why Republicans Lose Younger Voters

Can Scott Walker lead the way to transforming the party’s aging demographics?

11 Lessons From The Democrats’ Victory

How did Protasiewicz win by so big in such an evenly divided state?

State Supreme Race Shows Need for Campaign Finance Reform

Now that Republicans got outspent in big money race, will they back any reforms?

17 Election Winners and Losers

Beyond the election results, who were the other people, groups and trends that won or lost?

Democratic Party of Wisconsin Statement on Racine Mayor Cory Mason’s Reelection Victory

Democratic Party of Wisconsin Statement on Green Bay Mayor Genrich’s Reelection Victory

Democratic Party of Wisconsin Statement Congratulating Justice-Elect Janet Protasiewicz

Supreme Court Candidates Make Last Push For Votes

Will Trump indictment affect race between Dan Kelly and Janet Protasiewicz?

Protasiewicz Embraces Democratic Issues

If elected, Supreme Court candidate could flip state on abortion, gerrymandering, election laws.

Republicans Propose Exceptions To Wisconsin’s 1849 Abortion Ban

But Senate Majority Leader says he won't let proposal move forward, become political football.

Protasiewicz Ahead In High Court Race

All signs suggest Kelly well behind in election for state Supreme Court. Can he catch up?

Capitol Campaign Spending Records Keep Falling

'The voices of average citizens are being drowned out.'

Democratic Party of Wisconsin Endorses Judge Janet Protasiewicz

Mandela Barnes Forms Political Action Committee

The Long Run PAC will support new generation of progressive candidates.

Supreme Court Race Could Be Most Expensive in U.S. History

Up to $50 million could be spent, with national money pouring into Wisconsin.

WisDems Statement on Martin Luther King Jr. Day

GOP Leader Thrilled to Suppress City Vote

Republican ads targeted Black and Hispanic voters to discourage voting. Did they work?

WisDems Chair Ben Wikler Statement on the Anniversary of 1/6

Did Democrats Let Mandela Barnes Lose?

State Democratic chair says big donors wrongly concluded Barnes was far behind and deserted him.

WisDems’ Statement On President Biden’s Signing of the Respect for Marriage Act

State Democratic Chair Hail’s Party’s ‘Triumph’

But election results -- and party's future -- more clouded than that.

Barnes Urges Supporters To Keep Fighting for Change

Lt. Governor who lost US Senate race thanks supporters in speech at Sherman Phoenix.

Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler on Attorney General Kaul’s Re-Election Victory

Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler on Governor Tony Evers’ Decisive Re-Election Victory

Obama Says Evers, Barnes Will ‘Fight For You’

In Milwaukee former president warns future of democracy hinges on 2022 election.

Michels’ Cash, Trump’s Backing Pay Off

His victory is a defeat for Vos, Walker, and leaves tough questions for a divided party.

Wisconsin Democrats Congratulate Rep. Sara Rodriguez

Democrats Challenge Michels Nomination Papers in Governor’s Race

The challenge seeks to block businessman Tim Michels from getting on the primary ballot.

Nomination Signature Challenge Shows Michels Lacks Valid Signatures to Make August Ballot

Trump Endorses Tim Michels for Governor

Former Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch has now lost out on two major endorsements.

Johnson Declares Media Is His Opponent

'Probably the worst opponent anyone could have,' he tells GOP convention.

Republican Convention Endorses No One For Governor

Rebecca Kleefisch falls just short of 60% of votes needed for party endorsement.

Conservatives in Chaos: Republican Party of Wisconsin Fails to Endorse in Governor’s Race

Will Abortion Issue Drive Election Turnout?

Democrats link it with same-sex issue, push turnout, could be key issue in races for governor, attorney general.

WisDems Statement on Ron Johnson Voting Against Legislation That Would Codify Roe v. Wade

Two-Time Failed Candidate Tim Michels Announces Campaign for Governor

Michels owes Wisconsin answers on support of divisive policies, reliance on taxpayer dollars

On Tax Day, Wisconsinites Rally Outside of Ron Johnson’s Office As Republicans Push to Raise Wisconsinites’ Taxes

Ahead of Tax Day, Labor Leaders Blast Johnson and GOP For Pushing to Raise Taxes on 32% of Wisconsinites

WisDems Chair Statement on Ron Johnson Admitting He and His Biggest Donors Benefited From Changes He Had Made to 2017 Tax Bill

Parties Transform ‘Non’-Partisan Elections

Republicans lead push to turn city, county and school board races into partisan campaigns.

WisDems Statement on President Biden’s Historic Supreme Court Appointment and Ron Johnson’s Unacceptable Opposition

Wisconsin Democrats Congratulate De Pere Alder Pamela Gantz

Wisconsin Democrats Congratulate Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson

WisDems Statement on Ron Johnson Voting Against Funding the Government

WisDems Statement on Trumpy Tim Ramthun’s Campaign for Governor

Ramthun’s Divisive Comments, Conspiracy Theories Highlighted at TrumpyTim.com

WisDems Statement on Johnson Not Fighting to Bring Jobs to Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s Economy Shatters Records Under Gov. Evers

Unemployment Rate At Record Low 2.8%, State Has Projected $3.8 Billion Surplus

Democrats Push Abortion Rights Bill

Without Roe, old state law would prevail, making abortion a felony, with penalty of up to 6 years in prison

Nelson Calls on Ben Wikler and State Party to Organize Debates Among Dem U.S. Senate Candidates: “This race shouldn’t be a coronation…”

“We need to have debates. We need to have them now.”

WisDems Welcome VP Harris, EPA Administrator Regan to Celebrate Clean Water Efforts

Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler released the following statement ahead of the Vice President’s visit

Wisconsin Democrats Applaud President Biden’s First Year in Office

WisDems Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Ron Johnson Explains Run For Reelection

Breaks promise not to run for third term, citing 'loss of freedom' and 'tyrannical approach by the elites.'

Ron Johnson Announces Re-Election Campaign

Johnson Starts Campaign by Breaking Pledge that He’d Only Serve Two Terms

Reports Say Ron Johnson To Seek Reelection

Republican had promised in 2016 not to seek a third term.

WisDems Chair Statement on Impending Johnson Re-Election Announcement

Senator Johnson Is Kicking off His Campaign By Breaking His Two Term Pledge

WisDems Statement on Expanded Child Tax Credits

One Year Out From Election Day, WisDems Celebrate 1Year2Win Weekend of Action

WisDems Applaud Passage of President Biden’s Historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal

Wisconsinites Speak Out Against Rigged Republican Maps

WisDems Statement on GOP Abortion Bills Passing Assembly

Wisconsinites Call Out Ron Johnson For Abandoning Them, Enriching Himself and His Biggest Donors

WisDems Celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day

WisDems Chair Ben Wikler Responds to Michael Gableman’s Anti-Semitic Comments, Calls on Speaker Vos to Fire the Special Counsel

Walker’s Shadow Looms Over the Capitol

Walker's legacy is found in bitter partisanship, limits on the governor's power and appointee's that won't leave office.

Rebecca Kleefisch Announces Campaign for Governor

Kleefisch served as Lieutenant Governor under former Gov. Scott Walker.

Democrats Face High Profile Races in 2022

Experts say elections will test strength of state Democratic Party.

It’s Official, Kleefisch Running For Governor

Filed to run, but using non-profit to 'hide her donors, abuse the tax code,’ Democratic Party charges.

WisDems Statement on Dangerous Texas Abortion Law

Wisconsin Parents Thank President Biden for “Peace of Mind” Middle-Class Tax Cuts Provide, Condemn Ron Johnson for Voting Against Working Families

Rep. Ron Kind Won’t Run For Another Term

The La Crosse Democrat was first elected in 1996.

Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal Passes Senate Despite Ron Johnson Ignoring Best Interests of Wisconsinites

Derrick Van Orden Hasn’t Answered for His Role in the January 6th Insurrection

Derrick Van Orden Gets Caught in January 6th Insurrection Lie

Vos Picks Gableman To Lead Election Probe

Announcement comes just one day after GOP Assembly Speaker attacked by Trump.

Republicans Running On Resentment

They are betting voters would rather see less for poor people than more for everyone.

Wisconsin Republicans Join Disgraced Ex-Governor On Conspiracy-Driven Trip to Arizona Audit Site

Wisconsin Republican Legislators Join Arizona’s Illegitimate Election Audit

GOP Legislators Head to “Observe” the Arizona Election Circus While School Funding Remains at Risk and Budget Unfinished

Key Takeaways from Johnson’s Combative Interview with the Milwaukee Press Club

Ron Johnson Makes Clear He Will Continue to Do What’s Best for Himself, Not Wisconsin

Wisconsin Senate President Chris Kapenga Threatens Education Funding

Evers Will Run For Reelection

But will Barnes be his running mate? If not, who will Evers pick?

WisDems Release Statement on Republicans Gutting Popular, Bipartisan Policies from Gov. Evers’ Budget

Legislative Republicans Continue Political Games With Vote Against Medicaid Expansion, Marijuana Legalization, Clean Drinking Water

Vice President Visits City, Sells Jobs Plan

Harris tours UWM Clean Energy Laboratories, promotes infrastructure spending.

Democratic Party of Wisconsin Welcomes Vice President Harris to Milwaukee

Proposed Changes in Election Law Illegal?

Republican legislators pushing changes that may violate numerous federal laws.

VACCINES IN ARMS: Wisconsin Consistently Ranks Among Top States in the Nation for Vaccine Distribution Thanks to Support from President Biden & Leadership by Governor Evers

Wisconsin Reaches 4 Million COVID-19 Vaccine Doses Administered

It’s Ron Johnson’s Birthday, But Donald Trump’s Endorsement Is A Gift To Democrats

Wisconsin Democrats Celebrate Underly as Newly Elected State Superintendent of Public Instruction

Democrats Continue To Build Momentum, Organizing Infrastructure Leading Into 2022 Midterm Elections

Wisconsin’s Hyperpartisan Supreme Court is Endangering the Public

Ron Johnson’s “Embarrassingly Bad” March

Johnson Continues To Make Waves… For All The Wrong Reasons

Wisconsin Democrats Condemn Acts Of Hate And Violence Against The AAPI Community

DPW Chair Ben Wikler Denounces Republican Resolution Honoring Rush Limbaugh

Republican Congressman Glenn Grothman Rejects Millions for Covid Relief and Recovery for Fond du Lac, Neenah, Oshkosh, and Sheboygan

Republican Congressman Tom Tiffany Rejects Millions for Covid Relief and Recovery for Superior and Wausau

Republican Congressman Mike Gallagher Rejects Millions for Covid Relief and Recovery for Appleton and Green Bay

Republican Congressman Scott Fitzgerald Rejects Millions for Covid Relief and Recovery for Wauwatosa and West Allis

Republican Congressman Bryan Steil Rejects Millions for Covid Relief and Recovery for Beloit, Janesville, Kenosha, and Racine

Ron Johnson Pushes Conspiracies Ahead of Possible Third Term

The Senator has become a controversial figure as opponents queue up to run against him.

DPW Responds to Johnson Gambit to Delay Covid Relief

Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair On Failed Candidate Derrick Van Orden

Wisconsin Democrats Condemn Rise In Anti-Asian Hate Crimes

Wisconsin Democrats Issue Statement After Ron Johnson Spreads Lies on Behalf of Violent Insurrectionists in Senate Hearing

Wisconsin Democrats Endorse Dr. Jill Underly for State Superintendent

Wisconsin Democrats Issue Statement Ahead of President Biden’s Milwaukee Visit

How The Republican Party Lost Control

Wisconsin was a hotbed for the far-right rebellion.

Wisconsin Democrats Release Ad Highlighting Dangers of Derrick Van Orden

Wisconsin Democrats Issue Statement On Day One of Trump Impeachment Trial

Wisconsin Democrats Issue Statement After Republican Legislature Strikes Down Protective Mask Mandate

Wisconsin Democrats Issue Statement to Honor Black History Month

DPW Chair on Senator Johnson Vote Against DHS Nominee

Wisconsin Democrats Release Second Ad This Week Holding Gallagher Accountable for Impeachment Vote

DPW Statement on Kenosha DA’s Announcement of No Charges in Jacob Blake Case

Wisconsin’s Electors Vote for Biden

State's 10 presidential electors cast their votes for President-elect Joe Biden.

Purple Wisconsin Still Has Dark Red Legislature

Republican legislators continue to win big with minority of state's vote.

Ahead of Today’s Packers Game, DPW Unveils New Mobile Billboard Highlighting Trump’s Failed COVID-19 Response

Is Trump a Problem for Down Ballot Republicans?

If he is, Wisconsin's gerrymandered districts could soften the blow.

Kavanaugh Opinion on State’s Election Called “Ominous”

Supreme Court justice echoes Trump’s view that election day must decide final vote.

US Supreme Court Won’t Extend State’s Ballot Deadline

Democrats argued flood of absentee ballots meant many would be received after Election Day.

Democratic Party of Wisconsin Statement on SCOTUS Ruling

Democratic Party of Wisconsin Announces Rocky Horror Show Livestream on Halloween

Democratic Party of Wisconsin Announces a Superbad Cast Reunion & Watch Party

Democratic Party of Wisconsin Announces “Happy Days” Reunion

Sunday, October 25 at 6PM CT

Democratic Party of Wisconsin Statement on First Day of SCOTUS Hearings

Democratic Party of Wisconsin Statement on Eric Trump Visit to Wisconsin

Democratic Party of Wisconsin Statement on Eric Trump Visit to Wisconsin

DPW Statement on 200,000 Coronavirus Deaths

Ron Johnson Flip-Flops On Supreme Court

In 2016, wouldn't take up Obama' nominee six months before presidential election, now will do it for Trump.

DPW Response to Ron Johnson’s Latest Comments on Supreme Court

DPW Statement on Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Parks and Recreation Cast to Reunite For Absentee and Early Voting Push in Wisconsin

DPW Statement on President Trump’s Announced Visit to Mosinee, WI

Democratic Party of Wisconsin Statement on the Shooting of Jacob Blake

DPW Responds to 1,000 Wisconsinites Dying from COVID-19

DPW Statement on Changes to the Democratic National Convention

Wisconsin Democrats Report Record Fundraising Haul

Party raises $10 million, the most it's raised in a three month period.

Appeals Court Upholds Early Voting Restriction

Overrules federal district court, upholds Republican restrictions on voting in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Leaders Slam Pence and Trump as They Head to Badger State

Time to Face Systemic Racism, Biden Says

Presidential candidate’s address to state’s Democrats says “soul of America” is at stake.

DPW Statement on George Floyd’s Death

Wisconsin Politicos Respond to Safer At Home Ruling

Politicians, lobbyists and activists fall back on party line in attacking or praising decision.

Tiffany Wins Northwoods Special Election

Republican wins congressional race by 14 points, down from Trump’s 20 point margin in 2016.

Political Organizers Go Digital To Reach Voters

Social media, Zoom calls and texting campaigns supplant face-to-face campaigning during pandemic.

The Quack Science of Robin Vos

He’s “not a doctor,” he says while repeatedly rejecting medical experts amid a deadly pandemic.

Pandemic Changing State’s Political Landscape?

69% of Wisconsin voters say Trump did too little to prepare country for COVID-19.

Federal Lawsuit Challenges April Election

Alleges voters were disenfranchised, seeks re-vote for them.

“Voter Suppression At Its Worst,” DNC Chair Tom Perez Says

National Democratic Party may sue over Wisconsin's April 7th election.

New York Times Blasts State Republicans

"You Shouldn’t Have to Risk Your Life to Vote," editorial declares.

Absentee Ballot Deadlines Extended, Election Not Delayed by Federal Judge

Ballots must now be received by April 13th at 4 p.m., a six day delay.

Extra Pens, Sanitized Voting Machines

Voting in spring election will be drastically changed by COVID-19, with many voting by mail.

Survey Shows Support for Health Care Changes

4 of 5 respondents in state survey worry they won’t be able to afford health care in the future.

How Will State Party Pick DNC Delegates?

Complicated formula to assure geographic, gender, racial balance for 84 delegates.

Both Parties Bar Primary Challenge to Trump

Weld and Walsh barred from Republican presidential primary in state’s Spring election. Why?

Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler Releases Statement In Response To President Trump’s Upcoming Visit to Milwaukee

DPW Statement on Leaked Audio from Wisconsin Republican Event

Public School Workers, Parents, Community Leaders to protest Betsy DeVos appearance at publicly funded private voucher school

"Betsy DeVos is waging war on public education and is working to make drastic cuts to after school programs, arts education, literacy development, community schools, foreign language education, the Special Olympics, and has proposed a $143 billion cut from federal student loans."

“Toxic Tom Tiffany” Announces Bid for Congress

DPW unveils ToxicTomTiffany.com microsite and digital ad buy to highlight Tiffany's record

Trump’s Economy is Failing Hard-Working Wisconsinites

"President Trump’s failing economy is built on the numerous broken promises he made to hardworking Wisconsinites," DPW Chair Ben Wikler said.

Parties Eye Candidates For Duffy’s Seat

Republican state Sen. Tom Tiffany and Democratic Rep. Nick Milroy consider run for Congress.

DPW Chair Ben Wikler Statement on Black Women’s Equal Pay Day

"On equal pay day we recognize that despite the work of generations of activists to ensure equal rights, a black woman, on average, will make 61 cents on the dollar to a white man doing the same job."

Democratic Party of Wisconsin Hires Director of Trump Rapid Response

Philip Shulman will focus on bringing attention to the negative impacts of Trump’s broken promises on Wisconsin voters.

Scott Walker Promises Not to Run for Higher Office, Again

"While we’re glad Scott Walker has decided to flee the state after having been rejected by voters, we’re all too familiar with his habit of breaking his promises."

DPW Chair to President Trump: “In 2020, the Badger Bites Back”

Wisconsin Democrats call out Trump's broken promises as the President officially kicks off re-election bid

Democratic Party of Wisconsin on Anniversary of Trump Calling His Own Health Care Bill “Mean”

On this day in 2017 Trump accidentally told the truth about his toxic health care agenda

New Study Finds Medicaid Expansion Would Reduce Premiums

"Wisconsinites are paying a Vos Tax in the form of higher insurance premiums. It's time to expand Medicaid and abolish the Vos Tax."

Democrats Celebrate at State Convention

Evers, Baldwin speak on how to win: don’t “get down into the mud with Republicans.”

Wikler Is New Democratic Party Chair

MoveOn leader Ben Wikler defeats David Bowen, will replace Martha Laning.

Democratic Party of Wisconsin Welcomes New Leadership Team

Ben Wikler elected Chair of Party by delegates, Felesia Martin and Lee Snodgrass 1st Vice Chair and 2nd Vice Chair

A New Generation of Political Leaders

GenXers and Millennials are replacing Baby Boomers in political office.

Stop the Wisconsin GOP power grab

Indivisible Madison calls for people statewide to ”Pack the Capitol” for the JFC Hearing on Mon., Dec. 3 at 12:30 pm – and the #RESPECTMYVOTE rally on Mon., Dec. 3 at 5:30pm