Musician and radio host Tony Castañeda has announced he is running for Wisconsin’s 76th Assembly District, formally declaring his candidacy Feb. 9 outside the Wisconsin State Capitol.
Castañeda, a longtime Madison resident who has lived in the 76th District for more than 45 years, is a radio host, musician, artist, and youth sports coach. He has hosted the Thursday morning 8 O’Clock Buzz on WORT 89.9 FM for 33 years and has led his own Latin jazz band since 1998.
His platform focuses on immigration policy, public education, and democracy. On immigration, he is calling for Wisconsin to take legislative action to restrict ICE operations in the state. He supports full funding of public schools and repeal of Act 10, and opposes gerrymandering and proof-of-citizenship voting requirements.
Castañeda is hosting a campaign launch party and fundraiser Thursday, Feb. 19, from 5 to 8 p.m. at The Cardinal Bar, 418 E. Wilson St. in Madison.
He joins Madison Alder Dina Nina Martinez-Rutherford, former alder Julianna Bennett, legislative staffer Isaiah Ben-Ami and journalist Zoe Sullivan in the race to represent downtown Madison as well as portions of the East and North Sides in the State Assembly. The Democratic primary election will take place in August and the general in November.
