2025 Endorsed Candidates
Citizen Action of Wisconsin endorses Dr. Jill Underly for State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Vote in the Spring Primary Election by next Tuesday, February 18th.
Dr. Jill Underly is a lifelong educator running to be re-elected as Wisconsin’s Superintendent of Public Instruction. Dr. Underly has been a champion for public education in Wisconsin, leveraging her role as State Superintendent to advocate for the needs of students, teachers, and communities.
Dr. Underly continues to push for major investments in Wisconsin’s public schools and is strongly against the expansion of taxpayer-funded private school vouchers. Jill Underly put forward a budget that would finally close the public education gap. Currently, private voucher schools that allow special education students can bank on a 90% reimbursement from the state while public schools are on track to get less than 30%
She will work to halt any new, non-school board authorized chartering and all private school voucher expansion. Jill Underly is facing another onslaught by anti-public education interests as she runs for re-election.
In this critical time, Dr. Underly does not believe there is any legitimate role for ICE in our public schools. Our schools are tasked with educating all children, no matter who they are or where they come from. She also is a courageous defender of DEI programs, and wants to protect LGBTQ+ youth from an increasingly toxic political environment.
Take Action with Citizen Action in support of Jill Underly.
North Side Rising Organizing Cooperative
James Ferguson, II – Milwaukee Public School Board, District 4
James Ferguson, II is a proud product of MPS, has remained heavily involved, and has a lifelong commitment to our public schools.
James is the current school board member and demonstrates a willingness to reach out to all stakeholders in the community in search of what is best for kids.
He expressed enthusiasm and optimism about MPS’ future. He will lead with inclusivity for all kids.
Alex Brower and Daniel Bauman – Milwaukee City Council, District 3
Northwestern Organizing Cooperative
Stephanie Farrar – Eau Claire School Board
Stephanie Farrar has children in the public schools and will conduct a grassroots door to door campaign to share her values.
She has been a strong public advocate for more state funding for public schools, and does a lot to educate the public about private voucher schools taking money away from public schools.
Stephanie sees Citizen Action as a key ally to protect public schools, teachers and students.
“I continue to believe that public education is the foundation of our democracy. I believe that every student deserves an education that meets them where they are and helps them achieve their goals. I believe every student has a right to see themselves represented in the curriculum and a need to learn about those who are different from them. I believe the role of the school board is to set the values and vision while ensuring that qualified educators make day-to-day decisions that best serve our kids. I know the state legislature has let down districts across the state for too long while the state constitution requires that they provide necessary resources. I’m ready to advocate harder than ever on behalf of our students, educators, and community.” – Stephanie Farrar
Jasmine Case – Eau Claire Area School Board
Jasmine has a daughter attending Eau Claire Public Schools, and she works at UW-Eau Claire as the Director of the Center for Service-Learning, formerly an instructor in the Department of English.
Tim Nordin – Eau Claire School Board
Tim Nordin holds a PhD in Education Policy, his kids attend Eau Claire Public Schools, and he has been serving as president of the board for nearly 5 years.
Tim has been a strong public voice for students and staff, and has a track record of meeting with Citizen Action members to advance topics such as the district’s Climate Commitment, and educate about how voucher schools are not accountable and are a designed attempt to end public education.
Citizen Action members have respected his leadership during the pandemic and during several school district referendums.
Sherry Jasper – Chippewa Falls School Board
Sherry lives is a retired school counselor with the Chippewa Falls School District. Her focus is on doing what is best for all kids, in a tough political environment.
She has built her reputation on listening and speaking up to help find a middle ground or points of agreement on the Board that are for the benefit of all kids.
“Our schools work hard to give kids the best they can. We balance a lot to make that happen. As a school board member, I’ve dedicated myself to listening, learning, advocating and working to find a way forward so all kids can learn.” – Sherry Jasper
Driftless Organizing Cooperative
Merideth Garcia – La Crosse School Board
Merideth Garcia is a current La Crosse School Board member running for re-election. She is well versed on the topics our members care about. Fundamentally, Merideth believes in supporting teachers and funding an environment where all students can learn.
Meredith is very knowledgeable about the negative effects of the private voucher and charter schools in the La Crosse area and is opposed to public school dollars going to private schools or charter schools not under the purview of public school boards.
Her passion and strong support for public schools is very important in this current political environment.
“I want every teacher to have the resources they need to teach and every student in the district to feel a sense of safety and community at school. We have to be loud and clear that every student who lives in our district–whatever their race, gender identity, sexuality, socio-economic status, disability, or home language–deserves our respect and support.” – Merideth Garcia
Lisa Weston – La Crosse City Council
Lisa Weston is running for La Crosse City Council for the first time and is very well aligned with Citizen Action’s platform and core values.
Lisa is very concerned about ICE coming into our community public spaces and schools in their pursuit of our neighbors.
Lisa is a strong supporter of public schools and will join us in opposing public funds for private voucher or charter schools.
“I am honored to share that I have been endorsed by Citizen Action of Wisconsin. Join me in fighting for justice for every human. Every human. Every. Single. One.” – Lisa Weston
Molly Fuchs – La Crosse School Board
Molly Fuchs is a first time candidate for school board and is very well aligned with Citizen Action’s platform and core values.
She is emphatically against public money going to private voucher and non accountable charter schools.
“I am very excited and honored to announce that I received my first endorsement from Citizen Action of Wisconsin!” – Molly Fuchs
Aron Newberry – La Crosse City Council
Aron Newberry is committed to service, leadership, and building a stronger La Crosse community where everyone thrives. Aron Newberry has unapologetically progressive values and has a work history where he has advocated for progressive change.
Aron was the Director/Health Officer at Trempealeau County Health Department. He uncovered inequities in the department’s vaccination of the immigrant population and made sure the policy was changed. As a public health professional and veteran, Aron knows the importance of evidence-based policy to create real solutions.
Crystal Bedford – La Crosse City Council
Crystal Bedford’s core values clearly align with Citizen Action. She will be a needed, strong voice for progressive values on the La Crosse City Council.
Crystal speaks passionately about how her personal experiences have made her a strong advocate for progressive values.
Crystal will be an immediate leader on the City Council for finding real solutions to the growing need for affordable housing in the City of La Crosse.
Watch video of Crystal announcing her endorsement by Citizen Action of Wisconsin.
Mac Kiel – La Crosse City Council
Mac Kiel is an incumbent running for La Crosse City Council. She is knowledgeable about shared revenue and said she is encouraging Governor Tony Evers to fight for an increase in shared revenue from the state to municipalities and to fully funding public schools.
Mac has a strong history of voting for progressive policies and a strong voice on the Council.
Mac has a passion for climate work and will work with Citizen Action Driftless Cooperative members to address climate change in La Crosse.
“I’m honored to have the endorsement of Citizen Action of Wisconsin in my run for La Crosse City Council! Their commitment to economic justice, racial equity, and creating real opportunities for working-class Wisconsinites aligns with my vision for a stronger, more inclusive La Crosse.
This is the kind of bold, values-driven leadership we need at every level of government. I’m ready to work for a La Crosse that uplifts every person, ensures access to affordable housing, living wages, and strong community programs, and stands against inequality in all forms.
Let’s make real change together.” – Mac Kiel
Shaundel Washington-Spivey – Mayor of La Crosse
