Content referencing Brad Pfaff
Democrats, Advocates Highlight Trump’s Toll on Wisconsin
Dire affordability crisis, higher prices for food, health care, housing, energy.
Feb 9th, 2026 by Erik Gunn
Pete Buttigieg Comes to La Crosse
Democrat offers hope and urges 'the politics of courage' to western Wisconsin.
Jan 20th, 2026 by Ruth Conniff
Republican U.S. Rep Van Orden Pushed on Hospital Funding
Trump may cut $800 million for WI hospitals, Democratic legislators demand response.
Jan 20th, 2026 by Baylor Spears
Senate Minority Leader Hesselbein Hopeful for More Bipartisan 2026
Wants Legislature to cap prescription drugs cost and expand homestead tax credit.
Dec 17th, 2025 by Baylor Spears
Why Republicans Pass Bills They Know Gov. Evers Will Veto
Key part of their strategy to win elections in 2026, hold power in Legislature.
Nov 24th, 2025 by Brittany Carloni
Senate Passes Bills to Eliminate 400-Year Veto, Redefine Abortion
And a bipartisan bill that bars health care for undocumented immigrants.
Nov 19th, 2025 by Baylor Spears
Wisconsin Lawmakers Propose Cannabis Regulation Overhaul
Alcohol's three-tier system could be coming to CBD industry. Industry members are concerned.
Nov 14th, 2025 by Sophie Bolich
Gov. Evers Declares State of Emergency Due to SNAP Funds Cutoff
Directs state agencies to take all necessary measures to address the emergency.
Nov 3rd, 2025 by Baylor Spears
Four Districts Will Shape Control of Wisconsin Senate
Democrats are targeting three Republican incumbents.
Sep 29th, 2025 by Steven Walters
Democratic Gubernatorial Candidates Test Messages In La Crosse
Six candidates, including two for governor, appear at corn roast. How did their messages vary?
Sep 1st, 2025 by Steven Walters
Vance Talks Urban Crime, Migrant Health Care In La Crosse Visit
Dems use Pfaff's annual corn roast to to preemptively respond, campaign.
Aug 30th, 2025 by Henry Redman
Bernie Sanders Will Campaign for Rebecca Cooke in Western Wisconsin
US Senator from Vermont to join Viroqua town hall in 3rd Congressional District.
Aug 21st, 2025 by Sarah Lehr
Democratic Rep. Jenna Jacobson Will Challenge Top GOP State Senator
District held by incumbent Howard Marklein now leans slightly Democratic.
Jul 8th, 2025 by Baylor Spears
Republican Legislators Push Tax Credits for Films Made in Wisconsin
Republican leaders had removed similar item from Evers' budget.
May 21st, 2025 by Baylor Spears
Will Richland County Turn Against Trump?
Wisconsin’s rural counties may suffer -- a lot -- from his policies.
Apr 29th, 2025 by Bruce Murphy
Democrat Rebecca Cooke to Again Challenge US Rep. Derrick Van Orden
Promising a voice in Congress who will 'fight like hell to rebuild the middle class.'
Mar 12th, 2025 by Anya van Wagtendonk
Legislature Will Try Again On Regulating Forever Chemical Contamination
Communities have waited more than 500 days to access $125 million set aside for PFAS remediation.
Jan 3rd, 2025 by Danielle Kaeding
Outside Liberal Groups Outspent GOP 10-1 Yet Van Orden Still Won
Democrat Rebecca Cooke still lost to western Wisconsin Rep. Derrick Van Orden.
Dec 29th, 2024 by Peter Cameron
Congressman Derrick Van Orden Reelected in Tight Race
Republican beat Democratic challenger Rebecca Cooke by less than 3%.
Nov 6th, 2024 by Hope Kirwan
Van Orden’s Outspoken Nature Key Issue in Competitive Congressional Race
Republican Derrick Van Orden faces challenge from Democrat Rebecca Cooke in western Wisconsin.
Oct 18th, 2024 by Hope Kirwan
Will Western Wisconsin Shock the Nation?
Republican-held congressional district could elect Democratic challenger.
Sep 17th, 2024 by Bruce Murphy
Democrats Label Effort to Unseat Van Orden A ‘Red to Blue’ Priority
Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee promises resources, support to challenger Rebecca Cooke.
Aug 22nd, 2024 by Henry Redman
Rebecca Cooke Wins Primary to Take on GOP Congressman Derrick Van Orden
Defeats Rep. Katrina Shankland in Democratic primary for western Wisconsin district.
Aug 14th, 2024 by Henry Redman
3 Democrats Battling In 3rd Congressional District Primary
Winner to face Republican US Rep. Derrick Van Orden in western Wisconsin district.
Jul 29th, 2024 by Hope Kirwan
Rep. Shankland Sells Her Record in 3rd Congressional District Race
Democratic legislator seeks to beat Republican U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden.
Mar 26th, 2024 by Henry Redman
Rebecca Cooke Believes She Can Turn 3rd Congressional District Blue
Pitting working class, dairy farm background against Republican Rep. Derrick Van Orden.
Mar 25th, 2024 by Henry Redman
Controversial Power Line Bill Dies In Legislature
Opponents of 'Right of First Refusal' bill say it would have hiked utility rates.
Mar 18th, 2024 by Erik Gunn
Senate Fires 8 Evers Appointees, Approves 3 Constitutional Amendments
Senate ends session for year with governor 'apoplectic' over 'petty partisan politics.'
Mar 13th, 2024 by Baylor Spears
PFAS Ban Wouldn’t Start Until 2028 Under New Bill
New legislation by western Wisconsin Democrats would ban products with added PFAS, offer alternative approach to spending state PFAS trust fund
Mar 1st, 2024 by Hope Kirwan
Republican Proposal Moves Forward PFAS Standards
But Democrats, DNR sought different path for forever-chemical regulation.
Feb 19th, 2024 by Danielle Kaeding
GOP Senators Pass Parental Bill of Rights
And reject free school meals. Bill passed earlier by Senate next goes to governor.
Feb 14th, 2024 by Baylor Spears
Senate Votes to Fire Evers Appointee from Public Service Commission
Tyler Huebner rejected. Senate also passes electric vehicle, nudity ban and tax cut bills.
Jan 17th, 2024 by Baylor Spears
GOP Committee Votes to Toss Utility Commissioner Tyler Huebner
RENEW Wisconsin leader on PSC board since 2020, but never confirmed by Legislature.
Jan 15th, 2024 by Erik Gunn
Republican Bullying Isn’t Working
Tactic is backfiring as Democrats and public officials resist.
Oct 25th, 2023 by Bruce Murphy
Republicans Reject 7 Evers Appointees
Including elections commissioner and 4 DNR board members. 'This is insanity,' says Evers, then immediately names replacements.
Oct 17th, 2023 by Henry Redman
GOP Senators Express Skepticism of Governor’s Childcare, Workforce Bill
Issue coming to head with worker shortage, expiration of childcare subsidy program.
Oct 12th, 2023 by Erik Gunn
Senate Targets 6 Evers Appointees
Republicans leave elections commission unbalanced and board overseeing DNR unable to act.
Oct 9th, 2023 by Steven Walters
Rep. Shankland Joins Race Against GOP Congressman Derrick Van Orden
Democratic Assembly Member calls herself bipartisan and 'battle-tested.'
Oct 3rd, 2023 by Rob Mentzer
Republicans Could Force Protasiewicz Off Redistricting Case
Assembly impeachment would force her to step down while awaiting Senate trial.
Aug 29th, 2023 by Henry Redman
Democrat Will Challenge Rep. Van Orden
Eau Claire business owner Rebecca Cooke to run for 3rd District Congressional District that flipped Republican in 2022.
Jul 11th, 2023 by Hope Kirwan
Legislature Passes Local Revenue, Schools Bills
Deal heads to Gov. Evers’ desk. Despite bipartisan support, some are calling for him to veto proposals.
Jun 15th, 2023 by Baylor Spears
Wisconsin Legislature Increases Reckless Driving Penalties
Senate vote sends proposal to governor's desk. Democrats blast GOP inaction.
Apr 20th, 2023 by Anya van Wagtendonk
Bipartisan Support For Extending Medicaid Benefits For Postpartum Mothers
Approximately 50 post-partum deaths annually that the Wisconsin health department believes are preventable.
Mar 30th, 2023 by Baylor Spears
Republicans Holding Confirmation Hearings For Gov. Evers’ New Appointees
Agriculture, DNR secretaries get hearings, a marked change from Evers' last term.
Mar 16th, 2023 by Henry Redman
How Much Clout Does Your U.S. Rep Have?
Which committee does each one sit on and why it matters to Wisconsin.
Feb 12th, 2023 by Katjusa Cisar
Parties Argue Over April Ballot Questions
Evers calls referendum on welfare 'ridiculous.' but huge majority of legislators disagree.
Jan 23rd, 2023 by Steven Walters
Republicans Advance Cash Bail and Welfare Referendum Questions
Both likely to be on April ballot, could influence turnout for state Supreme Court election.
Jan 18th, 2023 by Baylor Spears
After 4 Years, 180 Appointees by Gov. Evers Haven’t Been Confirmed
Republican Senate leaves them in limbo. 'Tell me what I need to do,' Ever says.
Jan 3rd, 2023 by Sarah Lehr
Did Democrats Let Mandela Barnes Lose?
State Democratic chair says big donors wrongly concluded Barnes was far behind and deserted him.
Jan 2nd, 2023 by Bruce Murphy
What Will Happen to Evers’ Appointees?
After four years, a long list of his appointees to head departments, serve on state boards still haven't been approved by GOP Senate.
Nov 14th, 2022 by Henry Redman
5 Lessons From Mid-Term Election
Milwaukee's under-performance is a problem. And lack of national Democratic funding doomed Pfaff.
Nov 13th, 2022 by Ruth Conniff
Van Orden Defeats Pfaff in Western Wisconsin Congressional District
AP calls race, with Republican at 52% of vote and 95% of ballots counted.
Nov 9th, 2022 by Rob Mentzer
Republican Candidate Says “Leftists” Cannot Be Christians
Derrick Van Orden running for open congressional seat against Democratic State Sen. Brad Pfaff.
Oct 27th, 2022 by Rich Kremer
Is Trump a Threat to Republican Candidates?
A Trump endorsement may mean something different in a general election than a primary election.
Sep 21st, 2022 by Bruce Thompson
Brad Pfaff Wins 3rd Congressional District Primary
Pfaff faces Republican Derrick Van Orden in race for seat currently held by Democrat Ron Kind.
Aug 10th, 2022 by Hope Kirwan
How Governor’s Power Was Weakened
Recent high court decision latest of several rulings reducing governor's power.
Jul 5th, 2022 by Steven Walters
Grothman, Gallagher Face No Opponents
Only Wisconsin congressional districts without a Democrat on the ballot.
Jun 8th, 2022 by Shawn Johnson
For Our Future Spends Big
Nearly $2.1 million by one of largest outside spenders in state supported Democratic candidates.
Apr 6th, 2022 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
Historic Turnover Will Change Legislature
Retirements, redistricting and members pursuing higher office could transform Legislature.
Mar 28th, 2022 by Steven Walters
Peshtigo Residents Seek Superfund Designation for PFAS Pollution
Residents send petition to EPA after two of six city wells shut down for high PFAS levels.
Mar 25th, 2022 by Danielle Kaeding
Liberal Group One Of Top Outside Spenders
A Better Wisconsin Together, backed by unions, spent $5.2 million on 2020-2021 races.
Mar 1st, 2022 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
State Senate Won’t Confirm Evers’ Appointees
Republican senate leader calls appointees "highly partisan."
Jan 8th, 2022 by Henry Redman
Former CIA Officer Enters 3rd Congressional District Primary
Deb McGrath, daughter of former Rep. Al Baldus, running as a Democrat.
Nov 11th, 2021 by Henry Redman
Van Orden Gets $12,000 Donation From Casino Magnate Accused of Sex Harassment
The Republican candidate for Congress has himself been accused of sexual harassment.
Oct 26th, 2021 by Henry Redman
Lt. Gov. Barnes Leads Fundraising in Senate Democratic Primary
Barnes raised more than $1 million since launching his campaign this summer.
Oct 19th, 2021 by Laurel White
Small Business Owner Joins Race to Replace Rep. Ron Kind
Rebecca Cooke, of Eau Claire, running for 3rd congressional seat. Kind not seeking re-election.
Oct 14th, 2021 by Henry Redman
State Sen. Brad Pfaff Running For 3rd Congressional District
Current Congressman Ron Kind announced he would not seek re-election.
Oct 4th, 2021 by Laurel White
Evers Unveils His Own Bill to Repeal the Personal Property Tax
Governor's legislation includes funding to replace money local government's lose after tax repeal.
Sep 23rd, 2021 by Erik Gunn
Barrett, Kind Had 59 Years Experience
Exit of mayor and congressman makes room for new generation of leaders.
Aug 30th, 2021 by Steven Walters
Will Kaul Remove Natural Resources Board Chair?
Environmental groups push him to act. AG says law will guide his decision.
Jul 27th, 2021 by Danielle Kaeding
Tax Cut Divides Democrats
Evers and some Democratic legislators supported it. GOP hopes to gain new seats from swing-district opponents.
Jul 19th, 2021 by Steven Walters
State Legislature Passes Biennial Budget
Lawmakers cut billions from the Governor's budget.
Jul 1st, 2021 by Laurel White and Megan Hart
Republicans Scheme to Continue Scott Walker Era
Thwarting voters’ choice by refusing to approve Evers appointees to boards, commissions.
Jun 1st, 2021 by Henry Redman
Uihleins, Walton Shower GOP Legislators With Cash
Out-of-state donors give $1.9 million to state legislators, 79% of it to Republicans.
May 8th, 2021 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
Republicans Look Silly on Andrea Palm
Former state health secretary they hated was success with state vaccine plan, and got picked as Biden's deputy health secretary.
Apr 5th, 2021 by Bruce Murphy
State Clears Unemployment Claims Backlog
Evers promotes Amy Pechacek to secretary designee of Department of Workforce Development.
Dec 30th, 2020 by Melanie Conklin
Outside Groups Spent $10 Million on Legislative Races
Special interest groups backing Democrats spent more of it, about $5.5 million.
Nov 16th, 2020 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
Purple Wisconsin Still Has Dark Red Legislature
Republican legislators continue to win big with minority of state's vote.
Nov 8th, 2020 by Melanie Conklin
No Veto-Proof Majority for Republican Legislators
They flipped two of three seats needed to get two-thirds majority in Senate.
Nov 4th, 2020 by Shawn Johnson
Liberal Groups Far Outspend Republicans
$5.3 million spent on legislative races by Democratic advocacy groups, $2.9 million by GOP groups.
Nov 3rd, 2020 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
$1 Million Legislative Races Now Common
For a job paying $52,000. This year the Democrats are out-spending Republicans.
Nov 2nd, 2020 by Steven Walters
Is Trump a Problem for Down Ballot Republicans?
If he is, Wisconsin's gerrymandered districts could soften the blow.
Oct 29th, 2020 by Melanie Conklin
Outside Liberal Groups Lead in Legislative Races
Groups backing Democrats have spent $2.9 million versus $1.8 million for Republicans.
Oct 18th, 2020 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
$2.3 Million Outside Spending on Legislative Races
On 96 of 115 legislative races in state, with slightly more for Republicans.
Oct 5th, 2020 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
Democratic Legislative Committees Spend Big
Raising $1.9 million more than Republicans yet with $2.3 million less left in the bank.
Sep 30th, 2020 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
Can Wisconsin Create Fair District Maps?
Former Republican State Sen. Dan Kapanke admits gerrymander, calls for fair maps.
Sep 11th, 2020 by Melanie Conklin
Primary Results Set Stage for November
Newcomers in many races. Kelda Roys will replace Fred Risser, nation's longest serving legislator.
Aug 12th, 2020 by Shawn Johnson
Legislative Donors Give Record Amount in 2020
$7.1 million showered on legislative races in first half of 2020, shattering 2016 record of $5.1 million.
Aug 10th, 2020 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
Senator Jennifer Schilling Calls It Quits
Resigning Friday to take an unidentified job that would create a conflict of interest.
May 15th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Can Democrats Retake State Senate?
An uphill fight. Retirements by seven incumbents make races hard to call.
May 11th, 2020 by Steven Walters
The Return of Brad Pfaff
Former state agriculture secretary running for state senate, the very body that ousted him.
Apr 29th, 2020 by Melanie Conklin
Clock Ticking for Legislature
Short session, just two months planned for 2020. Can two parties agree on any legislation?
Jan 7th, 2020 by Melanie Conklin
Gov. Evers Reviews His First Year
Not satisfied, but cites progress on schools, health care, “Scott holes”.
Jan 2nd, 2020 by Ruth Conniff
Top 10 Political Stories of 2019
Lots of drama in last year of the decade. Which were the biggest stories?
Dec 30th, 2019 by Steven Walters
Another Evers Cabinet Pick Under Fire
Republicans won’t approve Dawn Crim, Secretary of the Department of Safety and Professional Services.
Dec 24th, 2019 by Ruth Conniff
Senate Democrats Offer 2020 Agenda
Shilling pushes homeless funding and closing dark store tax loophole.
Dec 24th, 2019 by Laurel White
All They Want for Christmas
The Christmas wish lists of Gov. Evers, Mayor Barrett and other politicians.
Dec 23rd, 2019 by Steven Walters
Farm Pollution Rules May Get Killed
Big business lobby WMC and Big Agriculture donors oppose the rules.
Dec 10th, 2019 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
Meet Evers’ New Ag Advisor, Brad Pfaff
Governor’s fired Agriculture Secretary now the Department of Administration’s director of business and rural development.
Nov 12th, 2019 by Melanie Conklin
The Path to Brad Pfaff’s Firing
Why GOP legislators shot down Agriculture Secretary. And why Evers was incensed.
Nov 11th, 2019 by Steven Walters
