Wisconsin State Rep. Samba Baldeh, D-Madison, announced on Monday afternoon his candidacy for Senate District 16, a new district created with newly drawn legislative maps.
Baldeh, who has served as a member of the State Assembly since he was elected in 2020 and previously served as Madison Common Council alder, was joined by friends and supporters to share stories of his journey and dedication to making changes in the state. He received endorsements so far from State Reps. Tod Ohnstad, D-Kenosha and Sue Conley, D-Janesville, and Alder Barbara McKinney, D-Madison.
Baldeh, a native of The Gambia, aims to bring his unique experiences as an immigrant and community member to the table in a way that the others can’t, he said.
Baldeh has been centered on how he can serve the communities he represents. In January, he opened a new grocery store, Gooh Grocery, on Madison’s East Side to bring more healthy alternatives and culturally relevant foods to the community.
He isn’t worried about how Gooh Grocery will continue with his attention centered on his campaign after getting the apartments above fully leased for the next year and fully staffing the store.
But his strive to help the community doesn’t stop there, according to supporters who came out to his campaign announcement. Alder McKinney shared the inspiration she gained from working with Baldeh for years.
“When you’re around Samba, there’s no stepping back — he encourages you to step forward. He encouraged me because he finds a space that you didn’t even know you had and he is doing things that you never knew that you could ever do,” McKinney said. “I certainly commend him for stepping forward because he will represent the voices of the people.”
