I’m tired of watching politicians wrap themselves in the flag while treating the people who live under it like an inconvenience. As the 2026 election approaches, I believe Wisconsin is facing one of its biggest fights yet. MAGA Republicans want the governor’s office, continued control of our Legislature, and more power in Washington. We need to talk about what that could mean for the rest of us.
Start with the money. The Associated Press reported that more than $24 million from three billionaires helped fuel Tom Tiffany’s campaign through Republican Party transfers. Apparently, some people can afford to shop for a governor while the rest of us compare grocery prices. Democrats take wealthy donors’ money, too, and they deserve scrutiny. I want to know whose interests come first after the campaign signs come down.
Wisconsin already has a Republican-controlled Legislature. If Republicans keep those majorities and win the governor’s office, a major check on their agenda disappears. Our congressional races also help determine control of the U.S. House. That makes Wisconsin important well beyond our state borders, but the consequences will land right here at home.
Consider reproductive freedom. Wisconsin’s Supreme Court overturned the old abortion ban, but abortion rights still lack explicit protection in our state constitution. The next governor and Legislature could change the law. As a grandmother, I find it outrageous that my granddaughters’ freedom remains something politicians can argue over and potentially restrict. I’ve lived long enough to watch women gain rights. I have no interest in watching another generation lose them.
Then there are public schools, affordable health care, and services that help older people and people with disabilities live with dignity. Those are my priorities. I want candidates explaining how they will meet those needs instead of finding another group of people to blame. A culture war won’t fill a prescription, keep a teacher in a classroom, or help someone stay safely in their home.
I consider myself a progressive because I believe government should work for ordinary people. That means showing up between elections, asking uncomfortable questions, and refusing to confuse an expensive commercial with an honest answer. We can volunteer, make calls, contribute what we can, and help someone make a voting plan.
Wisconsin is my home. My family’s future matters more to me than anybody’s campaign slogan. If powerful people think they can drown us out with money and outrage, they’re counting on our exhaustion. I may be tired, but I’m still paying attention—and I’m sure as hell still voting.
Sources: Associated Press: campaign financing; Wisconsin party control; 2026 Wisconsin voter guide; PBS Wisconsin: abortion laws.
