February 2026 Newsletter
Party Leadership Sets 2026 Priorities
The 2026 mid-term elections hold major importance nationwide. Not only will Democrats have a very good chance to flip the US House of Representatives, including our own 8th Congressional District, we also face, most immediately, a race in the Wisconsin Supreme Court to galvanize a progressive majority. This summer we’ll choose a new Governor to succeed the very effective Tony Evers. Locally we’ll be electing a new Sheriff for the first time in 20+ years during a period fraught with challenges to our very basic constitutional freedoms.
We are all reading the headlines and seeing the news reels questioning whether the 2026 elections will occur and even if they do, will electors be met either by changing voter requirements, US Postal Code changes or even physically at the polls, with resistance.
Contact us at www.kewauneedems.com if you are interested helping in these efforts:
Make calls to those identified as Democrats to attend events or get out the vote
Write postcards to voters
Write a Letter to the Editor
Drive volunteers to provide candidate literature to voters in rural areas
Put up candidate signs on your lawn, barn or land
Host a candidate Meet and Greet
GET MORE DETAILS AT FEBRUARY 17 SPEAKING OF DEMOCRACY EVENT
Without hyperbole, these elections, and maybe even elections for the next few cycles, will be the most important ever. We must win throughout 2026 to save Democracy and protect our constitution. We must stay engaged. We must be part of the solution. If we can’t rally ourselves and our friends (and maybe a few “on-the-fencers”) for this election cycle, we may not need to worry about voting in the future and most certainly will see the continued erosion of our constitutional rights.
To get more details and meet others who are committed to the cause of democracy please join us on Tuesday Feb 17th at 6pm.
The 2026 Spring Election – Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Wisconsin Supreme Court
Progressive Judge Chris Taylor vs Conservative candidate Maria Lazar.
See more on both candidates at:
Kewaunee County Democrats website or
https://ballotpedia.org/Chris_Taylor_(Wisconsin)
Mayoral Elections
Kewaunee Mayor
Features a race between incumbent and MAGA supporter Jeff Vollenweider and Independent Jason Jelinek, co-owner of Wildflower Supper Club.
Algoma Mayor
Since the incumbent is not seeking re-election, this race is between US Army Veteran and retired member of Algoma Fire and Rescue, James Winter and Wayne Schmidt. Schmidt held the position for multiple terms before losing the last two elections.
City Councils (Algoma, Kewaunee, Luxemburg)
The only contested races are in Algoma:
Incumbent Casey Buhr challenged by Pastor Ken Taylor
District 3 Scott Oftedahl faces off against Perry Castrovillari
School Boards
All Kewaunee County School Boards are holding re-elections with no contested races announced.
Kewaunee County Board
There is only one contested race. In West Kewaunee Township, incumbent and MAGA supporter Milt Swagel is being challenged by retired small dairy farmer Bob Obry.
Two incumbents filed papers that they will not seek re-election.
Small business owner, Lisa Cochart has filed to represent the Village of Casco replacing Tim Kinnard.
In the city of Kewaunee, Independent Jason Jelinek co-owner of Wildflower Supper Club will run unopposed for District 18.
More details are available at https://www.kewauneeco.org/i/f/files/Nomination%20Papers%20Filed%20-%202026(17).pdf
Remember: Unless you are indefinitely confined, you need to request to vote by absentee EVERY YEAR. Go to Kewaunee County Democrats website for more information.
Partisan Primary August 11th 2026!
The following have declared their candidacy in a partisan election. Note that there is still time (until mid-April) for others to enter the various races or drop out. Likewise, all declared candidates will need to obtain the necessary nomination signatures by June 1 to be on the Primary Ballot.
Please note that the Democratic Party of Kewaunee County has a policy to not endorse any candidate prior to the primary election.
US Congress – 8th Congressional District
These Democratic candidates will face each other in the Primary:
o Rick Crosson (D)
o Mark Scheffler (D)
o Katrina DeVille (D)
Tony Wied is currently the only Republican candidate to declare.
Governor
With the gubernatorial race being so crowded, we will save an overview of the race for later this spring. Click here to see the Democratic candidates
Lieutenant Governor
· Sarah Godlewski (D) currently running un- opposed
· Will Martin (R) will face Cyril Sablich (R) in the Primary
Kewaunee County Sheriff
The following have submitted their intention to run for Sheriff. All have declared as Republican.
· Scott Szydek
· Dusty Smidel
· Kevin Schmidt
· Eric Zellner
Other Items of Interest
The Coalition for Humanitarian Immigration has created the attached petition to demand our legislators and local law enforcement develop laws and policy to unequivocally prioritize the protection of the public in the wake of the federal agencies’ unconstitutional actions. The deadline to sign is this Friday Feb 7th. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe3FRJQbQUVgQytmvbQnQocO3iH4fop2aFBD7gK6xnPYRlXcA/viewform
Save the Date for the No Kings 3 Rally on Saturday, March 28th. Details to come.
Website: www.KewauneeDems.com
Democratic Party of Kewaunee County Email: kcdpwi@gmail.com
