After years of being locked out of power in Wisconsin’s statehouse, Democrats are seeing a glimmer of hope in the upcoming elections. With new voting maps in place and a renewed focus on rural America, Democrats are hoping to regain clout in Madison.
The state of Wisconsin has been a stronghold for conservative majorities for the past 12 years, but recent changes in voting maps have given Democrats a fighting chance. Assembly Minority Leader Greta Neubauer expressed optimism, stating that the new maps have given Democratic voters a voice in legislative elections that was previously silenced by gerrymandering.
State legislatures are now setting the country’s policy agenda, making tight contests for statehouses more crucial than ever before. In Wisconsin, Democrats have their work cut out for them as they try to win back the trust of rural voters who have increasingly turned towards the GOP in recent years.
Despite facing an uphill battle, Democrats are pouring resources into battleground seats and contesting nearly all of Wisconsin’s Assembly districts in hopes of flipping the majority. The party’s recent success in winning back the governor’s mansion and flipping the state Supreme Court has given them momentum heading into the upcoming elections.
On the other hand, Republicans are confident in their incumbents and track record of delivering tax cuts to keep rural voters in their camp. Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos is banking on grassroots efforts and a deep bench of candidates to secure a slim majority in the upcoming elections.
The tipping-point seat for Democrats is likely to be along Highway 29, running through the manufacturing and agriculture hub of Wausau. Democrat Yee Leng Xiong is challenging four-term GOP Rep. Patrick Snyder in a district that Republicans flipped in 2014. Xiong, a local school board member and former executive director of Wausau’s Hmong American Center, is positioning himself as a moderate candidate with a focus on bipartisanship.
While Republicans have a strong ground game in rural areas, Democrats are hoping to capitalize on changing demographics and a shift towards a more Democratic-leaning environment. If Democrats can pull off an upset in Wisconsin, their strategy could serve as a blueprint for Democrats nationwide looking to make inroads in rural America. Democrats in Wisconsin are facing challenges when it comes to recruiting quality candidates to match the Republicans, according to Morgan Hess, the executive director of the Assembly Democratic Campaign Committee. The party has been struggling in recent years to find strong contenders, with Republicans’ aggressive gerrymandering tactics playing a significant role in the difficulty.
Hess pointed out that when districts are specifically drawn to be noncompetitive, it becomes harder to convince local leaders to step up and run for office. This has created an uphill battle for Democrats in Wisconsin, especially in areas where Republicans have a stronghold.
One example of this dynamic is seen in the case of vulnerable incumbent Republican Rep. Todd Novak. Despite his district leaning Democratic after boundary adjustments, Novak has a moderate track record and has been successful in fending off Democratic challengers. His ability to raise funds and connect with voters has made him a tough opponent for his Democratic challenger, Elizabeth Grabe.
Grabe, a realtor with a background in endurance sports, has been putting in the hard work of reaching voters on the ground in her district. She has been actively canvassing and engaging with residents to earn their support. This grassroots approach is essential for Democrats in rural areas, where connecting with voters face-to-face can make a significant impact.
In other districts, Democratic incumbents like Rep. Jodi Emerson are facing challenges due to redistricting changes that have made their once-safe seats more competitive. Emerson has been reaching out to voters in small towns and rural areas, emphasizing key issues like funding for child care, public schools, and local governments. Democrats believe that these kitchen-table issues resonate with rural voters who have been neglected by Republican policies.
On the other side, Republicans are working hard to defend their positions by painting Democrats as out of touch and extreme. Campaigns and conservative groups have been running ads highlighting the GOP’s stance on tax cuts and government spending, framing it as a way to keep the state’s budget healthy and money in voters’ wallets. Republican Speaker Robin Vos emphasized the importance of focusing on jobs and the economy as the top priorities for voters.
As the 2024 elections approach, both parties in Wisconsin are gearing up for a tough battle. Democrats are working to overcome recruitment challenges and connect with rural voters, while Republicans are doubling down on their messaging to maintain their hold on the state legislature. The outcome of these races will have a significant impact on the political landscape in Wisconsin and beyond.
Standing on a porch in Fall Creek, Wisconsin, Jodi Emerson is canvassing for support in the upcoming election. As she talks to voters, she hammers home the message of high taxes and government spending, issues that have historically resonated with Republican voters.
This focus on taxes and spending has been a winning strategy for the Republican party in the past. In 2010, then-Governor Scott Walker rose to power by promising to reallocate resources from urban centers like Madison and Milwaukee to rural areas. He followed through on his promises by cutting taxes, rejecting federal funding for projects like a high-speed train, and passing legislation that limited public employees’ ability to bargain collectively.
Brian Reisinger, a former staffer for Governor Walker, acknowledges the appeal of this message to rural voters. In his recent book on rural economics, he highlights the feeling among rural communities that they have been left behind economically.
“There’s some very legitimate reasons that people in rural areas feel like their economy and their way of life has been left behind,” said Reisinger. “I think that Governor Walker tapped into that by saying, ‘Hey, I’m fighting for you. I’m fighting for the taxpayer.’”
However, Reisinger warns that Republicans cannot take rural voters for granted. Democrats are now actively courting these voters, making a more intentional effort to connect with their concerns.
“Republicans need to take notice,” he said. “Our politics are not static — it’s especially not the case in rural areas.”
As the political landscape continues to evolve, both parties will need to adapt their strategies to win over rural voters. Jodi Emerson’s canvassing efforts in Fall Creek are just one example of the ongoing battle for support in these crucial areas.
