May 2026 Newsletter
Spring Election Victories Fuel Democrats’ Campaign Season
Two landslide wins have bolstered hopes for even broader victories in the upcoming November elections. At the state level a 20-point victory for the Wisconsin Supreme Court by Judge Chris Taylor and in Algoma, the very lopsided victory of James Winter for Mayor are impressive catalysts for us.
While pundits will tell you that trends and victories in a spring election don’t translate equally to the November general election, let’s take a hot second and celebrate the April results.
In the Supreme Court race Chris Taylor received 37% of the Kewaunee County vote. Although that sounds underwhelming, keep in mind that, on average, Democratic candidates get a mere 32% of the vote in Kewaunee County. Even Tammy Baldwin, who does very well with rural voters, received just 34% of the Kewaunee County vote, but still won the 2024 election.
In the Algoma race, James doubled the vote count of his competitor who had served as mayor for two previous terms.
As a Party we have reason to celebrate, and we have reason for optimism because of three specific efforts:
The efforts by our teams of canvassers going door to door delivering Taylor and Winter literature in Algoma helped win Algoma for BOTH Justice Taylor and Mayor Winter.
Continued engagement of the electorate at “No Kings” rallies equate to more voters at the polls.
Targeted postcard writing effort to encourage the 650 likely democrats, who have not historically voted in spring elections, to get to the polls.
So, a HUGE “THANK YOU” to all the volunteers who participated in those efforts! You are “Demonstrating Democracy” and you are making a difference!
Now onto November! Let’s carry that same enthusiasm, that same creative energy and those same results into the General Election!
Gubernatorial Candidate Forum Receives Rave Reviews
For the first time ever, Kewaunee, Door, Brown and Manitowoc County Democratic parties joined forces to host all Democratic Party candidates for Governor in a round robin “Speed Dating” format. The event, held at Southern Door High School, received rave reviews from the over 100 participants. “I enjoyed being able to meet all of the candidates and ask them all the same questions, on the same day so I could easily contrast and compare. It was great”, stated one of the participants.
Many thanks to all who attended and to all of the event organizers for their work on this fabulous opportunity.
New Candidates Announce Runs for State Assembly and Senate
While all candidates must, by June 1, obtain and submit sufficient signatures to the State in order to appear on the ballot, two new candidates have recently announced their intention to run.
Kewaunee County’s own, Renee Paplham (D) has once again tossed her hat in the ring for Wisconsin Assembly, challenging incumbent, Joel Kitchens (R).
In her announcement, Renee commented:
“My campaign is focused on the economic security of families in this district and ensuring our children have access to strong public schools. Republicans have controlled Wisconsin’s budget for 16 years, and it’s clear we need new leadership, fresh ideas, and stronger relationships to address the funding challenges they’ve left behind.”
A familiar face in the County, Renee has remained actively engaged in the community — organizing rallies and events, collaborating with neighboring county organizations, and traveling across the district to listen directly to the concerns of First Assembly District residents.
Click here to read more about Renee and to donate to her campaign!
On the State Senate side, Independent Mark Becker (pictured left) has also launched his campaign for the 1st District seat currently held by Andre Jacque. On his campaign website, Becker, who previously served as Chair of the Brown County Republican Party, states:
“I am running as an Independent because I have always believed that there is more that unites us than divides us. As the former Chairman … I have witnessed, firsthand, how extreme politics and tribalism have warped the fabric of our state politics, for the worse.”
Renee Paplham and Mark Becker have been invited to attend the May Speaking of Democracy meeting as featured speakers. Watch for Action Alert emails for more details including the location.
Another way you can help is to let us know of events, like church and neighborhood festivals, Thresheries, FFA Breakfasts and fundraisers for groups like First Responders, Vets organizations etc., that our candidates may want to attend. Remember, the numbers are showing traditional Republicans are crossing over to vote for the more decent candidate; aka Democrats! Let’s get our folks in front of those new audiences and new votes! Email us with events, etc. at kcdpwi@gmail.com
New Volunteers Delivered the “W” in April – You Can Help Deliver in November
The turnout in the April election made the difference, undeniably. If we are to accomplish a true “Blue Tsunami” and stop this indecent slide into authoritarianism, we need to double our efforts “on the ground” as they call it. How, you may ask? Well, as Grandma used to say, “many hands make light work”. Please go to this link https://www.kewauneedems.com/volunteer on our website and sign up for JUST ONE volunteer opportunity today! Don’t know if you’d be good at one of the roles or how much time you have to dedicate? Tell us what you are good at and how much time you do have. Let’s talk! This is truly an “all hands-on deck” effort if we are to win in November. We need YOU!
Mark Your Calendars!
Upcoming Events
May 3 ICE Verifiers Training by Voces de la Frontera 1p – 3p
Hope United Church of Christ, 141 S 12th Ave Sturgeon Bay
Register at: https://secure.ngpvan.com/F0WAPiCgR0SVKfh2vaCHbw2
May 19 Speaking of Democracy Monthly Meeting
Location: TBD 6p-8p
Invited Guest Speakers: Renee Paplham, Mark Becker
Save the Dates – Details to Follow
July 9-12 Work the Dems booth at Kewaunee County Fair, Luxemburg
July 12 Walk or ride the float at the County Fair Parade, Luxemburg
July 19 Meet up at the Summer Gathering Picnic, Algoma, details to follow
August 11 Vote in Partisan Primary
August 15 Walk or ride the float at Shanty Days Parade, Algoma
Office Hours
The office is open Mondays 3-6PM and Fridays 4-7PM. The office is located at 305 Steele Street (the corner of Steele and 3rd St) Algoma, Suite 102. From 9am-5pm the main entrance on Steele Street is open. After 5pm on the days we are open you can enter the middle door on 3rd St, with the flag outside. Sometimes the office closes for holidays, staffing, other events (like the county fair) so be sure to check the website for office scheduled and unscheduled closures.
Keep up on the Latest between Newsletters
With the 24/7 news cycle being what it is, we are posting items of interest more frequently on our website. In between newsletters, check out the latest information at www.KewauneeDems.com There are zoom calls sponsored by various progressive groups (e.g., WisDems Caucuses, League of Women Voters, County Chairs Association), all free, all open to you. Information and registration information just a click away on the website. Read the news article on how to spot and denounce fallacies.
