Wisconsin Working Families Party Candidates Win Key Seats Across The State

MILWAUKEE — The Wisconsin Working Families Party scored significant victories in races across the state, as progressive leaders continue to expand the political group’s footprint across Wisconsin.

Jill Karofsky just announced her victory over incumbent Daniel Kelly for Wisconsin Supreme Court; Ryan Clancy is well-positioned to win his seat on Milwaukee County Board District 4; Marina Dimitrijevic won her bid for Milwaukee Alderwoman, and the MPS Referendum won handily with Milwaukee voters. Angelito Tenorio won his race for West Allis City Council, District 1, and Steve Shea ran unopposed for Milwaukee County Board District 8.

In Madison, Joe Maldonado won the contest for Fitchburg City Council District 1 (Seat 2). In Racine, Jody Spencer won her race for Racine County Board, District 5. Nick Demske ran unopposed for County Board District 1, and Fabi Maldonado ran unopposed for Racine County Board, District 2.

WI WFP activists and volunteers turned up in force to support endorsed candidates and the MPS referendum, sending hundreds of thousands of texts and phone calls across the state. Over the past six weeks, WI WFP activists sent over 250,000 texts to voters for the MPS referendum. 

As state lawmakers waged war over Election Day, WI WFP activists and volunteers sent more than 100,000 texts just over the critical last few days to voters in their endorsed candidates districts, helping stymie misinformation and give real-time updates on locations and deadlines for ballot dropoffs. On Election Day, dozens of WI WFP members worked remotely to ensure absentee voters submitted their ballots.

“Now more than ever, we need leaders who are going to fight to protect Wisconsin working families — and our democracy — from the radical right who have once again proven they’ll put countless lives at risk to stay in power,” said Aaron Shapiro, 2020 Elections Lead with the WI WFP. “Tonight’s results show that leaders with a bold progressive vision are coming out on top across the state. From fighting voter suppression and strengthening voting rights to raising wages and increasing affordable housing, WI WFP candidates are ready to fight hard for a fairer and freer Wisconsin.”

“I deeply appreciate the role that the Wisconsin Working Families Party played in this race” said Ryan Clancy, Milwaukee County Supervisor, District 4-elect. “From behind the scenes strategy and messaging to direct voter outreach, especially making sure absentee ballots were returned safely, the dedicated and passionate activists and volunteers of the WI WFP were more than key in this victory. I have always been a proud WI WFP member and am extremely grateful for their work both on this race and for working families everywhere.”

In addition to extensive candidate support, the WI WFP played a key role in passing the MPS referendum, another victory in a pro-public school winning streak for the WI WFP. The political powerhouse swept the Milwaukee School Board race in 2019, creating a strong majority of MPS advocates working to bolster public schools and fight back against privatization. The year before, the WI WFP secured the historic defeat of Scott Walker by Governor Tony Evers and WI WFP leader Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes.

“In back-to-back elections, Wisconsin voters have demanded that our elected leaders defend and fund public education and put an end to corrosive school privatization,” said WI WFP organizer Priscilla Bort. “This isn’t a one-off victory, it’s the result of years of on-the-ground organizing not just from the WFP, but from pro-public school groups like BLOC and MTEA. Wisconsin progressives are coming together in the fight to reclaim our public schools, and Milwaukee is the first of many big victories.”

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.