Although I won’t have the privilege of voting in District 80 on Aug. 13, I want to highlight that race for Wisconsin State Assembly as an example of how we continue to undermine democracy as well as uphold discriminatory practices in society.
Tens of thousands of past voters new to District 80 (due to recently redrawn legislative maps) have never had the chance to elect the candidate running as the “incumbent.” Nasra Wehelie, a member of the Madison Common Council, is also running for D80. Both candidates have strong progressive records, exceptional skills, and relevant experience. Both candidates have the support of numerous people who know them best through working alongside them. Both candidates deserve to be in the race.
However, Wehelie is on the ballot despite the repeated pressure and direct requests she received from leaders within the Democratic Party of Wisconsin to stand down. Wehelie was also denied access to more detailed voter information, as well as other forms of help, by party leaders. Why? Because the party apparently frowns upon Democratic challengers to Democrats in office. This — described to me by a Democrat currently serving in the Assembly — is a party “rule.” Merely an explanation. However, it is also a path to less, not more, diversity in the Wisconsin State Assembly. Moreover, it is a great example of how structural racism works. To me, telling someone to sit down and wait their turn is even more offensive when they are a woman, a person of color, or both — all groups underrepresented in our legislative bodies and about which coercive and disenfranchising policies are rapidly expanding.
It has never been more important to encourage competent, caring people who are committed to the hard work of solving complex societal problems to run for political office. I understand the strategy of coalescing around a single candidate in a two-party race. But in primaries and within-party elections, both parties should be encouraging more people to run and allowing the voters, not private organizations that control significant campaign resources, to decide who should represent them.
I endorsed Nasra Wehelie for the Wisconsin State Assembly because I have witnessed her tenacity in working to bring people together to push for solutions to complex problems. She seeks out, listens to, and authentically considers input from others. She is a critical thinker and a hard worker who loves people, adores her family, and is passionate about democracy in its truest form, as well as the pursuit of equity and justice. Her commitment to ensuring a quality education for all youth, women’s rights, economic stability, sustainability, and social justice are evident in her past accomplishments, and will continue to be evident in the State Assembly.
Her personal business also focuses on infusing empathy and equity into systems and organizations. She walks that walk in the personal, professional, and public service aspects of her life. We need someone who can spot inequities and injustices right in front of her face, challenge them, and bring solutions to the table to fix them. I hope District 80 voters will take the time to learn more about her and consider her as their representative.
