We sent all candidates for the state legislature with contested primary races a set of questions. We are publishing their responses as we receive them. 

Here’s answers from Juliana Bennet who is running in AD76. That district covers the east side of Madison. It leans deep blue (+76 Democrat). This is the district Francesca Hong is leaving to run for governor. 

We wrote a little about Bennet and her competition back in May. Old Dan was unable to look deeply enough into the race to make a recommendation between 5 great candidates. We appreciate Bennet answering our questions, though! You can read more about Bennet by visiting her campaign website. 

The Questionnaire 

1. Yes or no, will you help repeal or re-write the following harmful legislation: 

Collective bargaining restriction (2011 Act 10)? 

Yes, I will repeal.

The Shared Revenue Deal (2023 Act 12)? 

Yes, I will repeal.

Felony trespass for water protectors (2019 Act 33)?

Yes, I will repeal.

The 1848 abortion law?

Yes, I will repeal.

The anti-BDS law (2017 Act 248)? 

Yes, I will repeal.

The IHRA law (2025 Act 143)?

Yes, I will repeal.

2. Yes or No, will you vote for the following proposed legislation?

The socialist caucus' tax plan?

Yes, I will support and vote.

Keep Families Together? 

Yes, I will support and vote.

Conditions of Confinement? 

Yes, I will support and vote.

Tenant Protections, including Right to council?

Yes, I will support and vote.

2% Utility Rate Cap?

Yes, I will support and vote.

The Hospital Accountability Act?

Yes, I will support and vote.

The Climate Accountability Act?

Yes, I will support and vote.

$20 Minimum Wage? 

Yes, I will support and vote.

BadgerCare public option?

Yes, I will support and vote.

High speed train connecting Milwaukee and Madison to Chicago and Minneapolis?

Yes, I will support and vote.

3. How else will you use your position in the legislature to advance an agenda that promptly delivers a more affordable life to people struggling in our state?

Increasing affordability is my main priority in this climate of increasing costs in every expense. A main pillar of our campaign is raising the minimum wage to at least $23 per hour with adjustments for cost of living increases. We are flabbergasted that Wisconsin does not yet have a strong unified support for the $20 for 2026 campaign amongst state legislators. I will work tirelessly with coalitions to build that support and set raising the minimum wage as a Day 1 priority for a Democratic trifecta. 

4. In recent years the Democratic Party of Wisconsin and the Senate and Assembly Coordinating Committees have heavily prioritized fundraising, especially from wealthy elites and the business community. How have you seen this impact Democratic Party policies, electoral success, and internal culture?

Our current campaign finance system and the culture within the Democratic Party pressures candidates to spend more time talking to wealthy donors than with their constituents. This is an unacceptable distortion of democracy. Donors should not be able to buy public servants’ loyalty. Dark money and limitless campaign donations through SuperPACs and other loopholes must end. 

I support ending Citizens United and expanding public financing of campaigns for Wisconsinites. We need normal citizens to be able to run for office without bending the knee to organizations with deep pockets. As a young, queer, working-class, Black woman I don't have intergenerational wealth or access to rooms full of wealthy donors. Our campaign has had to find different ways to raise money, and make do with less.

I will not take AIPAC or DMFI money. Our campaign is funded through small dollar individual donations, with an average donation amount of $39. Our average donor is a working person, not a large institutional contributor. Our race is the many versus the money. And I always ask my supporters to hold me accountable when I'm in office, to make sure I am always prioritizing the needs of our community.

Juliana Bennet is running in AD76. That district covers the east side of Madison. It leans deep blue (+76 Democrat). This is the district Francesca Hong is leaving to run for governor. 

Steven Doelder is running in State Senate District 11 in Southeast Wisconsin. SD11 leans deep red (+28 Republican), but it is an open seat because Stephen Nass is retiring. 

David Liners, is running in Assembly District 21. AD21 covers Oak Creek and part of Milwaukee. It leans blue (+4.1 Democratic), but and is an open seat because Republican incumbent Jessie Rodriguez is retiring. 

Lisa White is running in State Senate District 17. SD17 is in southwest Wisconsin. It leans slightly blue (+1 Democratic), but is currently held by Republican Howard Marklein. 

Josh Mittness is running in Assembly District 50. AD 50 is South of Madison. It leans +14 Democratic, and is an open race because Jenna Jacobson gave up the seat to run for State Senate against Republican incumbent Howard Marklein in SD17. 

Democrat Party approval ratings cratered before socialist candidates injected some enthusiasm and raised the numbers. They have yet to internalize that triangulation doesn’t work, and there is no version of being a moderate that will win over Republicans.

The questions raised by this letter extend beyond any individual politician. How should parties respond when they receive allegations about candidates? What obligations do they have to complainants, to the accused, and to the public? At what point does an internal concern become a matter of legitimate public interest?

Care workers are not leaving their professions to run for office because those professions are overstaffed and not needing them. They are going into politics to fix politics and make care work viable for more providers.

Reports of ICE stepping up their activity serves as a harrowing reminder that we need to be ready for a potential surge. As expected, elected officials have barely moved the needle in providing even minimal protections from ICE. Only we can defend ourselves from these terrorists. We encourage everyone to attend a rally today (July 1st) at 6:00 PM at Kosciuszko Park.