April 4, 2018
For Immediate Release– April 4, 2018
Contacts: Robert Kraig (414) 322-5324 [email protected]
Matt Brusky, (414) 315-4127 [email protected]
Comment from Citizen Action organizers and members around the state available upon request.
At least 49 Members win races for local office and build progressive power across Wisconsin
Statewide: On Tuesday scores of Citizen Action of Wisconsin members were elected to local office, many of them with the volunteer support of local Citizen Action members who made phone calls, canvassed, and engaged in get-out-the-vote activities.
Citizen Action is building grassroots power throughout the state through our organizing co-op model. Citizen Action co-op members make sustaining donations to the organization and form self-governing local chapters to lead issue campaigns, conduct volunteer political work, and build progressive power. Citizen Action co-op members are united by an 8 year platform that was adopted last year through a deep democratic process.
Statewide at least 49 Citizen Action Organizing Co-op members were elected to local office (full list of victories below).
In Milwaukee County, Citizen Action Milwaukee Co-op member Steve Shea’s race for County Board was a major focus of volunteer activity. Shea showed the power of grassroots politics by winning against an opponent who was backed by tens of thousands in unregulated dark money expenditures funded by County Executive Chris Abele.
In Merrill, 25 year old Citizen Action North Central Wisconsin Co-op member Derek Woellner was elected Mayor in a stunning upset of a two term incumbent.
In Eau Claire, Citizen Action Western Wisconsin Co-op played a major role in electing 9 members, creating large progressive majorities on the County Board and City Council.
In Wausau Hmong Small Business Owner and Citizen Action North Central Wisconsin Co-op member Mary Thao was elected to the City Council.
In Brown County Citizen Action Northeast Wisconsin Co-op member Erik Hoyer won a hotly contested county board race. Erik is a leader in fighting against partisan gerrymandering, and shepherded a resolution on the subject through the County Board.
“The sweeping victories of highly progressive Citizen Action members across the state shows that grassroots political power still trumps dark money and big spending special interests,” said Robert Kraig, Executive Director of Citizen Action of Wisconsin. “The blue wave which is sweeping across Wisconsin has major implications for the November elections.”
