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Wisconsin

Created by the Wisconsin Stance on Science team. Please contact wi.stanceonscience@gmail.com with any questions. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and Reddit.

Last updated: October 23, 2026

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Wisconsin will face many challenges in the coming years, and it is increasingly critical that our policymakers understand the importance of evidence-based decision-making. The goals of this resource are to:

  1. Provide voters with clear, accessible information so they can see how candidates value science in decision-making.
  2. Hold candidates accountable by sharing their responses publicly on our website and via local media.
  3. Encourage thoughtful engagement between communities and policymakers on science policy-related topics in our state.

Through Stance on Science, we hope to help Wisconsinites understand how their elected representatives will utilize science to improve the state that they love. Learn more about this initiative on the home page.

How to use this resource

This webpage houses the responses to 7 questions crafted by the Wisconsin Stance on Science team.

Only official candidates who will appear on ballots were contacted.

Candidates were contacted in July 2026 (with a follow-up to those who did not initially respond) and given the opportunity to answer all questions. Only the responses of candidates who answered the questions are included. None of the candidates' responses were modified in any way before being published on this resource page.

For the August 2026 primary election, only candidates in the following elections were contacted1:

US House
Wisconsin Governor
Wisconsin Lt. Governor
Wisconsin State Senate
  • Democratic and Republican candidates from Districts: 1, 11, 17, 23, 25
Wisconsin State Assembly
  • Democratic and Republican candidates from Districts: 26, 33, 37, 50, 56, 57, 58, 61, 74, 76, 92
Wisconsin Attorney General
Wisconsin Secretary of State
Wisconsin State Treasurer

1 These primary elections were prioritized because they have more than one official candidate on the ballot.

Prior to the general election in November 2026, additional candidates will be contacted across all state districts. For a complete list of which elections will be targeted at that time, please check back in Summer 2026.

The questions posed
  1. America has a growing artificial intelligence (AI) industry, supporting cutting edge innovation and reshaping businesses, but raising concerns about education, ownership, and security. Application of AI technology has increased the demand placed on data centers, controversial for their resource use (such as water and land) and raising utility costs. What are your policy positions in regards to data centers and AI? What sources of evidence informed these positions? (see "Artificial Intelligence")
  2. Making the US competitive in the bioeconomy (using technology applied to renewable biological resources to produce food, energy and industrial goods) requires innovation and investments in business, academia and government. Please describe policies you will support, if any, that relate to workforce development in Wisconsin’s strengths such as agriculture, biotechnology, and energy; and explain their rationale. (see "Jobs and Workforce")
  3. Wisconsin’s public K-12 education systems have seen a significant decline in the past two decades, with more than 600 public schools closing and statewide student enrollment dropping 7%. These impacts have been especially pronounced in Wisconsin’s many rural counties, where opportunities for STEM education are already fewer. What policies, if any, would you support to improve K-12 education for students across Wisconsin? (see "K-12 Science Education")
  4. What do you see as the purpose of the department of health and human services and what skill sets and values do you set as criteria when considering who to appoint to this state department? (see "Public Health")
  5. If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy? (see "Trust in Science")
  6. In 2025 alone, the National Institute on Health (NIH) awarded over $575 million for research grants and contracts to Wisconsin universities and hospitals, which directly supported over 6,500 jobs and generated an estimated $1.37 billion of economic activity. However, federal funding cuts for science research and agencies like the NIH and National Science Foundation leave the future for scientific research less assured. What policies, if any, do you support or plan to implement to promote continued funding for scientific research? (see "Science Funding")
  7. Wisconsin has faced an increasing number of infectious disease outbreaks in recent years, for instance with rising numbers of measles and avian influenza cases that threaten human health and agricultural industry, respectively. What policies, if any, would you support to manage the burden of infectious disease in the state and respond to future outbreaks? (see "Public Health")

Disclaimer

The responses of candidates shared on this webpage do not reflect the views of the Wisconsin Stance on Science team or the Scientist Network for Advancing Policy (SNAP) Coalition. SNAP is a non-partisan organization (please see more about SNAP here). SNAP and the Wisconsin Stance on Science team do not endorse any candidates. The goals of this initiative can be found here. Please contact wi.stanceonscience@gmail.com with any questions.

To find your districts for state and federal races and see who is on your ballot, please visit MyVote WI.

November 2026 General Midterm Elections

If you cannot find a candidate, it means they have not yet submitted their response to Stance on Science. Please check back soon.

The order of responses is randomized by default. Use the filters below to find the candidate and race you are interested in.

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Douglas Alexander

Democratic
US House of RepresentativesDistrict 2
Submitted August 5, 2026

Q1 America has a growing artificial intelligence (AI) industry, supporting cutting edge innovation and reshaping businesses, but raising concerns about education, ownership, and security. Application of AI technology has increased the demand placed on data centers, controversial for their resource use (such as water and land) and raising utility costs. What are your policy positions in regards to data centers and AI? What sources of evidence informed these positions?

Artificial Intelligence

Approaching such issues I have a calm confidence that this can all be done successfully and appropriately. However, I myself don’t have the time to study all the details myself. My intuition and life experience lead me to believe it will take time for us as a society to work out the best approaches.

There will be mistakes along the way. In some instances, actors will rush in and go too fast, and make mistakes. Hopefully we will all learn from those mistakes. It’s important the press, and those involved, are willing to recognize mistakes, and share with us so we all learn from them.

In other situations delays caused by the public, etc. may prove costly, and once the Data Center is up and running, they will look back and wish they have done so 18-24 months sooner. That lost efficiency is costly, but it’s all part of the scientific process.

Ideally we all–owners, users, local communities–sincerely try to get it right. People innocently created asbestos, and many innocent people paid the price with their health and lives; we all now pay the price financially. Let’s all seek to avoid similar innocent mistakes in this new era of AI and large data centers.

KEYWORDS: mistakes, scientific process, asbestos

Q2 Making the US competitive in the bioeconomy (using technology applied to renewable biological resources to produce food, energy and industrial goods) requires innovation and investments in business, academia and government. Please describe policies you will support, if any, that relate to workforce development in Wisconsin’s strengths such as agriculture, biotechnology, and energy; and explain their rationale.

Jobs and Workforce

First, policies that relate to workforce development are implemented on three different governmental levels: local, state-wide, and federal. I believe most such policies should be implemented by local authorities, and state-wide when it makes sense. I’ve not studied this in depth–I’m willing to–but I don’t know of any workforce development policies that should be implemented by the federal government. As such, although I’m glad to participate in brainstorming and discussions about wise or foolish ways to proceed, I don’t think Congress should be voting on any workforce development issues. (Perhaps some safety requirements are so universally recognized they could be enforced federally, but if they are universally recognized, then each state should pass regulations that best fit their state workforces.)

Folks, this is not a wimpy answer from a slippery politician trying to avoid saying anything significant. This is an important distinction you don’t often hear a candidate make!

Read Article 1, sec. 8 of the US Constitution: Congress is delegated no power over workforce development. Now read the 10th amendment. Our country will operate more efficiently if the federal government removes itself from areas it has no business being. It’s not just because they tend to muck things up; it’s because big power brokers don’t want to have to deal with every state legislature/educational institution to get their way. Instead, they buy up a few key members of Congress, and get laws passed the effectively routes $millions or $billions to their company, at the expense of smaller, local, businesses that are better suited to the unique workforce development needs of their local area.

That corruption needs to stop. Our current Congress doesn’t care about that corruption–they benefit from it. But if we institute term limits on Congress, the career politicians won’t be able to stay, and citizen legislators–like I would be, like many of you readers would be–would not cow-tow to the big power brokers.

KEYWORDS: local, state, federal, 10th amendment, corruption

Q3 Wisconsin’s public K-12 education systems have seen a significant decline in the past two decades, with more than 600 public schools closing and statewide student enrollment dropping 7%. These impacts have been especially pronounced in Wisconsin’s many rural counties, where opportunities for STEM education are already fewer. What policies, if any, would you support to improve K-12 education for students across Wisconsin?

K-12 Science Education

First, policies that relate to workforce development are implemented on three different governmental levels: local, state-wide, and federal. I believe most such policies “Wisconsin currently has ~800,000 public ed students. That means two decades ago they had ~60,000 more statewide. Obviously the rural decline is a function of economic realities that one local school cannot prevent. But when they sadly must close, those students are going elsewhere. A lower birthrate may explain a small drop, but there are clearly other factors at play. Jumping to the question, here are policies I would support to improve K-12 education in WI:

First, stop the Big Lie. The Big Lie is that schools are “telling” many of their students that he or she passed, but in reality many have not met the standards set for their grade level! They are, in reality, “approaching” those standards, or–worse–merely “developing.”

For the Madison Metropolitan School District in 2024-5, those tested for English scored as follows: 1) whites: 78% either “Advanced or Meeting” standards; 22% were either “approaching,” or “developing.” 2) blacks: 16% meeting standards; 84% not meeting standards

For Math: 1) whites: 73% meeting; 27% not meeting 2) blacks: 12% meeting; 88% not meeting

To find these scores, go to https://dpi.wi.gov/accountability/report-cards Then the green box “click here for school and district report cards.” Then search on a school district, or an individual school.

A result of the Big Lie is by the time they reach high school, only 73% of white students, and only 12% of black students, are in position to succeed in STEM classes.

I’m running out of room to go on, except to say that a major reason schools are perpetuating the Big Lie is they are afraid to crack down on the ~10% of the student body that is not serious about learning, and more interested in showing off, causing trouble, and having fun. If the schools got serious about building a healthy culture of respect and discipline, half of those 10% would get with the program. The other half should be sent to a special “locked down” public school where class sizes are small, there is a no-nonsense approach, and where students could earn the right to go back to their previous school–where all of their friends are–with a week (or more) of good behaviour. See my website for more details.

KEYWORDS: The Big Lie meeting, not meeting, 10% not serious

Q5 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?

Trust in Science

I trust science. Science does not lie. Science is, by definition, consistent. If an element or an experiment cannot be consistently replicated, then it is not recognized as anything more than a failed proposition.

I do not trust scientists any more than I trust other human beings. People are flawed. “The line dividing good and evil cuts through the heart of every human being.” There are scientists who have been bought out by powerful companies who want their products to be deemed safe, when they are not. There are scientific journals that have been compromised by the influence of Big Pharma, Big Ag, Big tech, who approve “peer reviewed” articles that do not meet the standards of rigorous, long-accepted standards of testing and review.

All of this to say, if elected, I will most definitely consult scientists when appropriate. But I will verify the veracity of their testimony, just as I will any other person’s testimony.

KEYWORDS: replicated, flawed, human, verify

Q6 In 2025 alone, the National Institute on Health (NIH) awarded over $575 million for research grants and contracts to Wisconsin universities and hospitals, which directly supported over 6,500 jobs and generated an estimated $1.37 billion of economic activity. However, federal funding cuts for science research and agencies like the NIH and National Science Foundation leave the future for scientific research less assured. What policies, if any, do you support or plan to implement to promote continued funding for scientific research?

Science Funding

My quick answer is that yes, there is research necessary, that for-profit companies cannot always underwrite by themselves. In those cases, it is in the best interest of the public to public fund such research. How that is done is where it gets murky.

Referring back to the 10th amendment, Congress has no authority to control scientific studies. It has taken control–no doubt about that. But such initiatives belong to the states. I’m not insisting every state has it’s own mini NIH. Citizens, and states, can collaborate with each other very well without the imposition of the federal government. There are many examples of this: Hollywood built its empire without the “help” of Congress. Walt Disney create his empire without the “help” of Congress. Cisco Systems basically build the internet without the “help” of Congress. Many large corporations have arisen without the “help” of Congress. However, more and more large business interests have thought: “Hmmm…We don’t want to have to go to each of the 50 states to set policy for our product…We’ll just go to Congress and see if we can get them to pass a law that paves the way for us to be successful in all fifty states at once!” When a particular state does not approve of the advantage Congress has given to a big corporation, it is an expensive and heavy lift to try to alter what Congress has done.

There is also a “middle man” dynamic that is costly. I prefer to see much more of our tax dollars kept by the 50 states, rather then letting the federal government take them, then dole money back to the states, universities, Scientific entities as Congress deems best. That process is rife with opportunities for fraud and corruption. If each of the states kept the tax dollars that would go towards research grants at the state level, they could ensure it either goes to institutions in their state, or would go to collaboration among many states they knew would benefit the universities and end users in their states. All of this could be done without Congress being involved. Currently, large, powerful and wealthy Corporations throw their weight around at NIH and NSF to ensure they get a larger share of the grant funding, cutting out smaller but probably more important research that an individual state would recognize as important, and fund. In short, it does not serve the smaller, less political scientific entities in Wisconsin to have to apply to NIH and NSF. If they were applying to the state of Wisconsin, there would be a more personal touch, better access to the decision-makers, and overall more efficient use of grant money.

KEYWORDS: 10th amendment, collaborate, middle man,

Amanda Bell

Democratic
US House of RepresentativesDistrict 6
Submitted August 2, 2026

Q1 America has a growing artificial intelligence (AI) industry, supporting cutting edge innovation and reshaping businesses, but raising concerns about education, ownership, and security. Application of AI technology has increased the demand placed on data centers, controversial for their resource use (such as water and land) and raising utility costs. What are your policy positions in regards to data centers and AI? What sources of evidence informed these positions?

Artificial Intelligence

I support strong oversight of data center development and the AI industry, which up to now has had a blank check to do whatever it wants. These facilities use huge amounts of water and power, often without honest answers about where that water comes from or goes. As a scientist who spent 24 years researching rivers and lakes, I have a unique perspective on how industrial discharge and water use can cause serious environmental harm. I’ve worked with community groups in Wisconsin and Minnesota reviewing water use and cooling system disclosures, and found discrepancies in water use figures and unauthorized groundwater withdrawals before facilities are even operational.

AI’s impact on our economy, jobs, and privacy raises concern. Elon Musk is suing Minnesota because his AI platform has been used to turn photos into sexually explicit images, including of children, which a new state law would ban. Musicians, writers, journalists, and artists are having their work stolen to create AI generated art, music, and films without credit. We haven’t had federal electronic privacy regulation since the 1988 Video Privacy Protection Act, which made it illegal to share what movies people rented. We need to update federal privacy law for this millennium.

KEYWORDS: Environment, transparency, consent

Q2 Making the US competitive in the bioeconomy (using technology applied to renewable biological resources to produce food, energy and industrial goods) requires innovation and investments in business, academia and government. Please describe policies you will support, if any, that relate to workforce development in Wisconsin’s strengths such as agriculture, biotechnology, and energy; and explain their rationale.

Jobs and Workforce

Wisconsin’s 6th district has the highest concentration of manufacturing jobs in the country, and our workforce policy needs to build on that strength. We need to expand hands on training in agriculture, food science, biotech, and energy at technical colleges and high schools, which lead to good paying jobs. Our district also has several power plants and growing solar and wind projects, and we need trained workers ready to build, maintain, and staff that energy infrastructure as it expands. We need additional grants for schools to buy modern lab, manufacturing, and energy equipment, and partnerships between universities, local manufacturers, and energy companies. Rural Wisconsin has been losing young talent for decades because we haven’t invested in keeping opportunity local. We must invest federal funding into apprenticeships for manufacturing, ag tech, renewable energy, and biomanufacturing, especially in rural counties that get passed over for these investments. If we want a strong bioeconomy and a strong industrial base, we need to train the workforce here so we have the ability to grow here.

KEYWORDS: Education, training, manufacturing

Q3 Wisconsin’s public K-12 education systems have seen a significant decline in the past two decades, with more than 600 public schools closing and statewide student enrollment dropping 7%. These impacts have been especially pronounced in Wisconsin’s many rural counties, where opportunities for STEM education are already fewer. What policies, if any, would you support to improve K-12 education for students across Wisconsin?

K-12 Science Education

I substitute teach in three school districts right now, so I see the effects of these cuts firsthand. We have crowded classrooms, out-dated materials, and fewer STEM opportunities the further you get from a city. We must restore full federal funding for public schools and oppose any effort to divert public dollars into private school vouchers. That includes fully funding IDEA, which Congress has never funded at the level it promised, leaving districts to cover special education costs out of budgets that are already underfunded. Rural districts need supportive funding for STEM equipment, broadband, and teacher recruitment, since many can’t compete with suburban districts on pay, and they need the same commitment for special education staff and services. I’d support loan forgiveness for teachers who commit to rural placements and partnerships between rural schools and nearby universities or ag research stations to bring real-life science experience into the classroom. Every kid deserves the same shot at a good education, whether they’re in Port Washington or Poy Sippi, and that includes kids with disabilities who are too often shortchanged when funding falls short.

KEYWORDS: funding, special education, STEM

Q5 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?

Trust in Science

I spent 24 years at the US Geological Survey, rising to Deputy Director of the Upper Midwest Water Science Center, so I have dedicated my career to science and research and know that information helps to inform policy. But when DOGE was created, I saw firsthand what happens when science and research gets politicized. Contracts with university partners working on toxic algal blooms were cancelled with no warning and no reasoning given. This administration also cut funding for flood mapping and streamflow monitoring, work that saves lives by helping first responders know which roads and bridges are underwater during a flood. If elected, I’d rely on career scientists and researchers, not political appointees, for the technical basis of any policy touching public health, water, agriculture, or the environment. I’d hold regular briefings with agency scientists at DOI, EPA, CDC, NIH, NOAA, and NSF, and I’d support strengthening whistleblower protections so scientists can speak up when political pressure distorts their findings. That’s the standard I’d bring to Congress: policy built on evidence, not ideology, and full transparency about where the evidence came from.

KEYWORDS: evidence, integrity, transparency

Q6 In 2025 alone, the National Institute on Health (NIH) awarded over $575 million for research grants and contracts to Wisconsin universities and hospitals, which directly supported over 6,500 jobs and generated an estimated $1.37 billion of economic activity. However, federal funding cuts for science research and agencies like the NIH and National Science Foundation leave the future for scientific research less assured. What policies, if any, do you support or plan to implement to promote continued funding for scientific research?

Science Funding

Wisconsin’s research institutions are an economic engine, and gutting NIH and NSF funding hurts jobs and undermines our global scientific credibility. Having spent my career in federal science, I know how much damage short-term thinking does to long-term research. Cutting funding doesn’t save money, it just moves the cost to lost jobs, delayed treatments, and lost American competitiveness in fields other countries are racing to lead.

I will support policies that include multi-year funding commitments for research projects so universities and hospitals can plan longer-term studies and ending the threat of government shutdowns whenever Congress fails to pass a budget. I will fight against any effort to use science funding as a political bargaining chip or to steer research toward predetermined conclusions. We must support unbiased research free from political interference in what gets funded or published. We should encourage federal science agencies to partner with international universities and other countries to advance research faster than any one country can alone.

KEYWORDS: credibility, collaboration, investment

Emily Berge

Democratic
US House of RepresentativesDistrict 3
Submitted July 29, 2026

Q1 America has a growing artificial intelligence (AI) industry, supporting cutting edge innovation and reshaping businesses, but raising concerns about education, ownership, and security. Application of AI technology has increased the demand placed on data centers, controversial for their resource use (such as water and land) and raising utility costs. What are your policy positions in regards to data centers and AI? What sources of evidence informed these positions?

Artificial Intelligence

I support a meaningful moratorium on data centers so that local, state, and federal regulations may be implemented: regular folks must not see their rates increase, we must protect our natural resources and the peace of our communities, and these developments must use renewable energies to generate most of their energy needs. We also need to address the demand side of this equation and place human protections on the use of AI. As a mental health provider, I have seen the harmful effects of generative AI, particularly on our youth. Whether it be the shortcutting of our education system or unauthorized use of our personal images, AI must be regulated.

One of the reasons I support a moratorium on data centers and guardrails on the use of AI is that we do not have enough evidence yet on all of the potential harm that these structures and systems might have. As the only candidate with local elected experience, I value deeply the input from our local communities and believe that we have to give our communities a say in these massive developments.

KEYWORDS: Protect our people

Q2 Making the US competitive in the bioeconomy (using technology applied to renewable biological resources to produce food, energy and industrial goods) requires innovation and investments in business, academia and government. Please describe policies you will support, if any, that relate to workforce development in Wisconsin’s strengths such as agriculture, biotechnology, and energy; and explain their rationale.

Jobs and Workforce

In Congress, I will invest in high quality jobs in America, and particularly in Wisconsin. We should be leading the way in innovative practices that increase food production and efficiency while properly caring for the long-term health of our natural resources. I also believe that we must be investing in renewable energies, not just the energy generation, but also the infrastructure to support electrification. Wisconsin has seen the harmful impacts of lost manufacturing jobs, I would like to support these vacant spaces to become thriving hubs of economic growth with production of everything from electric vehicles to the mounting brackets for residential solar panels. Any decision on these policies will include experts and those most impacted at the table, I will always put Wisconsinites first.

KEYWORDS: Invest in local infrastructure

Q3 Wisconsin’s public K-12 education systems have seen a significant decline in the past two decades, with more than 600 public schools closing and statewide student enrollment dropping 7%. These impacts have been especially pronounced in Wisconsin’s many rural counties, where opportunities for STEM education are already fewer. What policies, if any, would you support to improve K-12 education for students across Wisconsin?

K-12 Science Education

Wisconsin has been a case study for privatization of public goods and the harmful impacts vouchers have had on our public schools, our kids, and our communities. In Congress, I will fight against any attempts at a national voucher program, I will fight to increase special education funding, and I will fight to reduce childcare costs and increase investments in public post-high school opportunities.

As City Council President in Eau Claire, I authored and passed legislation to provide transparency on our tax bills about how much money is leaving our community and going to voucher schools. I believe that families should be able to decide where there children go to school, but public dollars should stay with public schools. In Congress, I will continue to work with state and local partners to support our public schools and deliver the special education funding that is promised by the federal government.

KEYWORDS: Fund public schools

Q5 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?

Trust in Science

I believe that those closest to the problems are closest to the solutions and I will ensure that scientists and other experts are at the table when making policy decisions.

KEYWORDS: Empower local leaders

Q6 In 2025 alone, the National Institute on Health (NIH) awarded over $575 million for research grants and contracts to Wisconsin universities and hospitals, which directly supported over 6,500 jobs and generated an estimated $1.37 billion of economic activity. However, federal funding cuts for science research and agencies like the NIH and National Science Foundation leave the future for scientific research less assured. What policies, if any, do you support or plan to implement to promote continued funding for scientific research?

Science Funding

I believe in using public dollars to support our communities and one of the most successful ways to improve our lives and build local economies is to fund research at public universities and labs. I will fight for a budget that restores research grants to public institutions. As the only candidate with local-elected experience, I have worked hand-in-hand with our universities to build partnerships that improve both our universities and communities.

Our budget is a moral document, I believe that what makes our country strong is investing in our people and communities. In Congress, I will push for budgets that improve quality of life, make life more affordable, and uplift communities. I would be proud to fund research grants to improve our health and economic outcomes.

KEYWORDS: Improve our communities

Rustin Provance

No Party Preference
US House of RepresentativesDistrict 3
Submitted July 10, 2026

Q1 America has a growing artificial intelligence (AI) industry, supporting cutting edge innovation and reshaping businesses, but raising concerns about education, ownership, and security. Application of AI technology has increased the demand placed on data centers, controversial for their resource use (such as water and land) and raising utility costs. What are your policy positions in regards to data centers and AI? What sources of evidence informed these positions?

Artificial Intelligence

I am against the data centers. Without real solid laws regarding A.I. inplace, we shouldn’t be moving forward with anything. What limitations do corporations really have with A.I now or oversight?

Q2 Making the US competitive in the bioeconomy (using technology applied to renewable biological resources to produce food, energy and industrial goods) requires innovation and investments in business, academia and government. Please describe policies you will support, if any, that relate to workforce development in Wisconsin’s strengths such as agriculture, biotechnology, and energy; and explain their rationale.

Jobs and Workforce

Robotics and A.I have its place. I also understand with any new technology it can be abused and used for bad intentions. With the advancements in A.I and the speed that it is advancing. The question really is, when do humans become the roadblock for A.I to keep advancing and what are the consequences of trying to stop it. Robotics and the purpose of A.I is to complete task in a more and efficient way. A job is a task. If we dont put restrictions on A.I. I feel it will create an economic disaster due to no or limited incomes.

Q3 Wisconsin’s public K-12 education systems have seen a significant decline in the past two decades, with more than 600 public schools closing and statewide student enrollment dropping 7%. These impacts have been especially pronounced in Wisconsin’s many rural counties, where opportunities for STEM education are already fewer. What policies, if any, would you support to improve K-12 education for students across Wisconsin?

K-12 Science Education

There are to many things wrong with the publice education system. We need a complete overhaul. We have teacher issues and the teachers Union. We student education and graduation issues. To administration and financial issues. This is a major task to take on and requires a lot of investigations into schools themselves before anything should be done. Is it an administrative issue or something totally different. What are the education system expectations vs the communitie expectations. Lots of issues and sometimes I think the overwhelming issues are on purpose. Dont know for sure. It sure feels like it.

Q5 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?

Trust in Science

I have high respect for scientists. Take the information with importance. I also understand science changes and so do some theories. So a good debate with facts can get to a more reasonable solution to problems we can solve for the betterment of all.

Q6 In 2025 alone, the National Institute on Health (NIH) awarded over $575 million for research grants and contracts to Wisconsin universities and hospitals, which directly supported over 6,500 jobs and generated an estimated $1.37 billion of economic activity. However, federal funding cuts for science research and agencies like the NIH and National Science Foundation leave the future for scientific research less assured. What policies, if any, do you support or plan to implement to promote continued funding for scientific research?

Science Funding

I would like to see more of a push tords space travel studies and the health issues regarding that. Food, water and over all health are an important factor of space travel. That research would spread all over. I also have to be realistic. We are a nation in massive debt and spend a lot of money on the military industrial complex. I would like to see that change to more of an American technology investment. Thats my hope. Advancing human health and curing diseases. Not just making treatments. I will say I love technology. I also understand the good and bad with technology and feel some oversight while expanding our children’s future education in the technology are both very important. Smarter Americans is a good thing. We wouldn’t need so many overseas workers in America. History has taught us, the governments suppression of technology is real.

Cheryl Runkel

Republican
US House of RepresentativesDistrict 7
Submitted August 12, 2026

Q1 America has a growing artificial intelligence (AI) industry, supporting cutting edge innovation and reshaping businesses, but raising concerns about education, ownership, and security. Application of AI technology has increased the demand placed on data centers, controversial for their resource use (such as water and land) and raising utility costs. What are your policy positions in regards to data centers and AI? What sources of evidence informed these positions?

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence is just as it is said. Artificial intelligence is a computer technology that needs to be controlled by a human and fine tuned . Data centers as well are places to store a network of computers for specific data storage and data interactions and data circulations . Could this man made technology help to control the cost of utility services such as Internet speed and control services to many communities and customers ? Could adding a tariff to the use of data centers be helpful so customers do not feel a shock in higher costs if data centers were constructed to try and fight cost technology and utility cost consumption , questions while storing numerous amounts of data in circulation ?

KEYWORDS: Cost effective , technology ,savvy, pollution resistant employment .

Q2 Making the US competitive in the bioeconomy (using technology applied to renewable biological resources to produce food, energy and industrial goods) requires innovation and investments in business, academia and government. Please describe policies you will support, if any, that relate to workforce development in Wisconsin’s strengths such as agriculture, biotechnology, and energy; and explain their rationale.

Jobs and Workforce

Biological resources in biological technology ; safety policies as so biological warfare could not occur during the possibly applied nature of resources to produce food ,energy and industrial goods and products What does this mean ; when the use of biological resources are applied in science to create a new product such as food, energy and industrial goods these are not produced to harm our American people. Consider ; waste run off , water and structure proximity that could expose less than positive results to communities such as high river content over flowing from higher rain percentages until naturel drinking water reservoirs are in contaminate. The use of safety and link hierarchy communications could promote higher safety levels .Think of jobs in relation to work force development and healthier living environments .

KEYWORDS: Safety , communication , collaboration employees

Q3 Wisconsin’s public K-12 education systems have seen a significant decline in the past two decades, with more than 600 public schools closing and statewide student enrollment dropping 7%. These impacts have been especially pronounced in Wisconsin’s many rural counties, where opportunities for STEM education are already fewer. What policies, if any, would you support to improve K-12 education for students across Wisconsin?

K-12 Science Education

Support ; starting school to ability to finish from where one starts can be challenging and investments to students center of intelligence in educating students so they can have a chance to process through life . Every student should have a opportunity learn and grow . Skilled staff , highly trained to understand every human nature and the uniqueness in every human nature to help promote the learning in the class room and as well as the home assignments assigned at home to complete for next days grading .There is a understanding each is unique and functions at different pace levels and possibly differences in training techniques. It is that understanding to help train a child . Nutrition is also a underlying impotence to help train a child . Physical appearance to help train a child. This may sound mean …but; children preoccupied in what each is wearing the day of class could and might be calculated to possibly disturb class . Red hair , purple hair , less then nice looking cloths . A preferred outfit policy , where each student matches in clothing attire could help to calm the differences in distractions for clothing attire. Support group student team learning policy , in student teams studying to help each other make through in there studies while facility and parent support .

KEYWORDS: Collaboration , appearance , same student supplies

Q5 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?

Trust in Science

When deciding how to vote on a policy expert advisors to think over and review words documented before research begins. Understanding the expert advisor confidentiality . Monitor programs and environment programs as seeking appropriate approval from scientists review boards for humanity sake. Rational , for absorbing evidence in science . In ability to complete tasks

KEYWORDS: Compliance , information , expert advisor

Q6 In 2025 alone, the National Institute on Health (NIH) awarded over $575 million for research grants and contracts to Wisconsin universities and hospitals, which directly supported over 6,500 jobs and generated an estimated $1.37 billion of economic activity. However, federal funding cuts for science research and agencies like the NIH and National Science Foundation leave the future for scientific research less assured. What policies, if any, do you support or plan to implement to promote continued funding for scientific research?

Science Funding

Approval , sound proposal to conduct research in reasoning why there is a need for research . Problem statement, general problem and issues and or current gap that relate to the need for research . Why does the gap matter in reelection to the need to compete a research of nature ? Reminder, funding usually at times means using tax payer dollars . What could the tax payers learn from research or gain from the research ?

KEYWORDS: Tax payers , inflation, Approval

Mark Scheffler

Democratic
US House of RepresentativesDistrict 8
Submitted July 10, 2026

Q1 America has a growing artificial intelligence (AI) industry, supporting cutting edge innovation and reshaping businesses, but raising concerns about education, ownership, and security. Application of AI technology has increased the demand placed on data centers, controversial for their resource use (such as water and land) and raising utility costs. What are your policy positions in regards to data centers and AI? What sources of evidence informed these positions?

Artificial Intelligence

Mark supports the development of artificial intelligence engines but only with iron-clad regulations to protect human wellbeing, jobs, data privacy, and of course environmental protections. He’s proposing a 1-year moratorium on all new AI data center construction to give policymakers time to develop a regulatory framework to ensure that this powerful technology benefits humanity, is ecologically friendly, and can be powered entirely by 24/7 renewable energy created right here in America. He also supports strong water quality protections and the use of closed-loop geothermal cooling systems.

KEYWORDS: climate change, renewable energy, clean water

Q2 Making the US competitive in the bioeconomy (using technology applied to renewable biological resources to produce food, energy and industrial goods) requires innovation and investments in business, academia and government. Please describe policies you will support, if any, that relate to workforce development in Wisconsin’s strengths such as agriculture, biotechnology, and energy; and explain their rationale.

Jobs and Workforce

Mark is the only candidate in this Congressional race supporting the creation of the world’s largest renewable biomass market powered by America’s farmers. This plan builds on the excellent work being done at UW’s agriculture school and would support the production of renewable biomass for 24/7 electrical generation, bio-fuels (including sustainable aviation fuel - SAF), bio-plastics, building materials, paper products, textiles, etc.. Wisconsin has the resources, Wisconsin has the talent; we just need fresh, independent leaders to think long-term again.

KEYWORDS: biomass, agriculture, next-generation, bio-fuels, renewable energy

Q3 Wisconsin’s public K-12 education systems have seen a significant decline in the past two decades, with more than 600 public schools closing and statewide student enrollment dropping 7%. These impacts have been especially pronounced in Wisconsin’s many rural counties, where opportunities for STEM education are already fewer. What policies, if any, would you support to improve K-12 education for students across Wisconsin?

K-12 Science Education

As the only candidate in this 8th Congressional District race who has taught full-time in a Wisconsin public school, Mark brings a wealth of experience and expertise. He supports educational choice exclusively through public charter schools, his tax modernization plan (#TinyTax) would keep more than $20 billion per year in our local and Wisconsin economy which would be use to increase funding for our shared public infrastructure, including public schools. He also supports a massive increase in funding for the arts and humanities to offset the effects of artificial intelligence and to strengthen student understanding, curiosity, creativity and achievement. Lastly, he supports equalizing funding for schools across rural Wisconsin, winding down our broken voucher program, and supporting job training for advanced manufacturing across the state.

KEYWORDS: public charter schools, tax reform, rural education

Q5 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?

Trust in Science

America must continue to lead on scientific research, and must always lead all policy decisions at the local, state, federal and international levels. And this includes not only physical science, but most especially social science research that can help us make better policy decisions designed to help improve human and environmental wellbeing. Mark believes that public policy should never be driven by religion, mythology, tribalism, nor by intuition. While there are certainly areas of human endeavor that can include these concepts, public policy should never be one of them.

KEYWORDS: objectivity, social science, scientific discovery, prosperity, human wellbeing

Q6 In 2025 alone, the National Institute on Health (NIH) awarded over $575 million for research grants and contracts to Wisconsin universities and hospitals, which directly supported over 6,500 jobs and generated an estimated $1.37 billion of economic activity. However, federal funding cuts for science research and agencies like the NIH and National Science Foundation leave the future for scientific research less assured. What policies, if any, do you support or plan to implement to promote continued funding for scientific research?

Science Funding

Mark’s tax reform proposal (#TinyTax) would fully fund all spending allocated by Congress in the 2022-24 budget, including fully funding the Centers for Disease Control, the National Institute on Health, the National Academy of Science, NASA, et.al.. Mark believes strongly that impounding Congressional spending by the executive branch is bth unconstitutional and outright unworkable and he supports strengthening the separation of powers between Congress and the Executive Branch. He also supports minimizing Presidential executive orders as a means of instituting public policy.

KEYWORDS: #TinyTax, NIH, CDC, NASA

Brad Smith

Democratic
US House of RepresentativesDistrict 6
Submitted August 9, 2026

Q1 America has a growing artificial intelligence (AI) industry, supporting cutting edge innovation and reshaping businesses, but raising concerns about education, ownership, and security. Application of AI technology has increased the demand placed on data centers, controversial for their resource use (such as water and land) and raising utility costs. What are your policy positions in regards to data centers and AI? What sources of evidence informed these positions?

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence has enormous potential to improve productivity, accelerate scientific discovery, and strengthen American competitiveness, but we cannot ignore its impact on workers, communities, and critical infrastructure. AI is already reshaping white-collar and blue-collar industries, and Congress must ensure that the benefits are broadly shared rather than concentrated among a few large technology companies.

I support national standards requiring major data centers to publicly disclose projected electricity demand, water use, cooling methods, emissions, and grid-upgrade costs before construction begins. Communities deserve transparency and a meaningful voice in decisions affecting local water supplies, land use, and utility rates. Companies receiving federal incentives should meet strong efficiency standards, invest in water recycling and advanced cooling technologies, and source more energy from clean power.

We also need policies that prepare workers for disruption. I support expanding Pell Grants, technical education, apprenticeships, and retraining programs so workers can adapt as AI changes the labor market. Companies that profit from AI-driven productivity should help fund workforce development and transition programs.

KEYWORDS: Transparency. Community Voice. Efficiency. Workforce Protection

Q2 Making the US competitive in the bioeconomy (using technology applied to renewable biological resources to produce food, energy and industrial goods) requires innovation and investments in business, academia and government. Please describe policies you will support, if any, that relate to workforce development in Wisconsin’s strengths such as agriculture, biotechnology, and energy; and explain their rationale.

Jobs and Workforce

Wisconsin has a unique opportunity to lead in the bioeconomy because our strengths in agriculture, manufacturing, biotechnology, and energy already exist. To compete globally, we need to invest in people as aggressively as we invest in technology.

I support expanding federal investment in workforce partnerships between universities, technical colleges, private industry, and labor unions to create clear pathways into careers in agricultural technology, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, and clean energy. Wisconsin’s technical colleges and universities should receive additional support for certificate programs, apprenticeships, and research initiatives focused on precision agriculture, sustainable fuels, biotechnology, food science, and energy storage.

For rural communities, we should expand grants that help farmers adopt new technologies, improve efficiency, and diversify revenue through biofuels, renewable materials, and value-added agricultural products. Federal research funding should prioritize projects that create jobs and commercial opportunities in Wisconsin.

I also support strong public-private research partnerships, retraining programs, apprenticeships, and labor standards so the benefits of innovation reach workers.

Investing in science and workforce development strengthens our economy, supports rural communities, improves national competitiveness, and creates high-quality jobs that cannot easily be outsourced.

KEYWORDS: Innovation. Workforce. Agriculture. Competitiveness.

Q3 Wisconsin’s public K-12 education systems have seen a significant decline in the past two decades, with more than 600 public schools closing and statewide student enrollment dropping 7%. These impacts have been especially pronounced in Wisconsin’s many rural counties, where opportunities for STEM education are already fewer. What policies, if any, would you support to improve K-12 education for students across Wisconsin?

K-12 Science Education

A strong public education system is one of the best economic investments we can make. If Wisconsin wants to compete in the fields mentioned above, we need to ensure that every child, whether they grow up in Milwaukee or a rural town, has access to a high-quality education and modern STEM opportunities.

I support increasing federal investment in public schools, particularly in rural districts that face declining enrollment and shrinking tax bases. Funding formulas should recognize the unique challenges of rural communities, including transportation costs and limited access to specialized courses. Every student should have access to high-speed internet, modern science labs, computer science instruction, and career and technical education programs.

I also support stronger partnerships between K-12 schools, technical colleges, universities, and local employers to expand apprenticeships, dual-credit programs, robotics teams, agricultural science programs, and hands-on STEM learning. As a youth robotics coach and mentor, I have seen firsthand how these experiences inspire students and connect education to real careers.

Finally, we must invest in teachers through competitive pay, professional development, and classroom resources, because great schools depend on attracting and retaining great educators.

KEYWORDS: Public Education. STEM Access. Rural Schools. Teacher Investment.

Q5 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?

Trust in Science

Science should inform policy, not be treated as an afterthought. If elected, I would rely on scientists and subject-matter experts throughout the policymaking process: when evaluating legislation, conducting oversight, assessing economic and environmental impacts, and measuring whether government programs are actually achieving their goals.

On issues such as public health, agriculture, energy, climate, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and national security, I believe elected officials have a responsibility to seek out the best available evidence and understand both the benefits and tradeoffs of proposed policies. That means consulting researchers at universities, federal agencies, national laboratories, and private industry, as well as the scientists and engineers working directly in Wisconsin’s businesses and research institutions.

Scientific expertise should not dictate policy on its own, however. Elected representatives must also consider economic realities, ethical concerns, and the needs of their constituents. With that said, ignoring evidence leads to bad decisions and wasted taxpayer dollars.

My approach is to start with the data, listen to experts, ask difficult questions, and remain willing to change course when new evidence emerges. Good policy requires humility and a recognition that complex problems are best solved when science, industry, and communities work together.

KEYWORDS: Evidence. Expertise. Accountability. Adaptability.

Q6 In 2025 alone, the National Institute on Health (NIH) awarded over $575 million for research grants and contracts to Wisconsin universities and hospitals, which directly supported over 6,500 jobs and generated an estimated $1.37 billion of economic activity. However, federal funding cuts for science research and agencies like the NIH and National Science Foundation leave the future for scientific research less assured. What policies, if any, do you support or plan to implement to promote continued funding for scientific research?

Science Funding

I strongly support robust federal investment in scientific research through the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, Department of Energy national laboratories, and other research agencies because these investments improve lives, strengthen our economy, and create high-quality jobs.

I oppose indiscriminate cuts to scientific research funding and support multi-year federal funding commitments that give universities and research institutions the stability they need to pursue long-term projects. I also support expanding partnerships between federal agencies, universities, hospitals, and private industry to accelerate the commercialization of new discoveries and ensure that breakthroughs developed in Wisconsin create jobs here at home.

Research funding should also be tied to workforce development. Expanding grants, fellowships, internships, and apprenticeships in science, engineering, healthcare, and biotechnology will help build the next generation of innovators while keeping talented graduates in Wisconsin.

The return on these investments is substantial: scientific research leads to new treatments, stronger public health, greater economic competitiveness, and industries that can sustain communities for decades. America’s leadership in science has always been one of our greatest strengths, and we cannot afford to surrender that advantage.”

KEYWORDS: Research Investment. Innovation. Workforce Development. Competitiveness.

David Crowley

Democratic
Governor
Submitted October 7, 2026

Q1 America has a growing artificial intelligence (AI) industry, supporting cutting edge innovation and reshaping businesses, but raising concerns about education, ownership, and security. Application of AI technology has increased the demand placed on data centers, controversial for their resource use (such as water and land) and raising utility costs. What are your policy positions in regards to data centers and AI? What sources of evidence informed these positions?

Artificial Intelligence

I’ve been clear that local communities should decide if a data center is right for them, and if they don’t want them, they should not be forced to accept them—no ifs, ands, or buts.

If a community decides they want a data center, they need to be built with union labor, with full transparency and accountability, with 100% renewable energy, and ensuring these data centers don’t pass on a single penny to ratepayers.

Large data centers cannot be allowed to shift billions of dollars in infrastructure, energy, or water costs onto families and small businesses. They should pay the full costs associated with serving their facilities, including necessary generation, transmission, and other infrastructure.

Data centers have been unnecessarily secretive about their intent and impact on the community. Regardless of who it is, we need state oversight to ensure local communities are respected and protected, ratepayers don’t pick up a penny of the cost, and that Congressman Tiffany’s big tech billionaires can’t steamroll our state.

Local communities deserve to do what is right for them, and as governor, I will always support that. Right now, we need state regulations on data centers because Congressman Tom Tiffany not only hasn’t done his job but has actually voted for policies that would make it harder for states to regulate AI.

Q2 Making the US competitive in the bioeconomy (using technology applied to renewable biological resources to produce food, energy and industrial goods) requires innovation and investments in business, academia and government. Please describe policies you will support, if any, that relate to workforce development in Wisconsin’s strengths such as agriculture, biotechnology, and energy; and explain their rationale.

Jobs and Workforce

Agriculture contributes tens of billions of dollars to Wisconsin’s economy annually and supports hundreds of thousands of jobs. My vision for Wisconsin agriculture is one where family farms are viable, rural communities are stable, and the state’s natural and energy resources strengthen each other over the long term.

That means investing in cost-share programs that help farmers implement conservation practices without bearing the full financial burden alone, supporting research and extension services that give farmers the tools to adapt to changing conditions, and supporting workforce training programs and small grant programs that can help Wisconsin’s smaller farms stay on the cutting edge of innovations to improve their operations.

I support the responsible expansion of nuclear energy as part of Wisconsin’s clean energy future — including next-generation and small modular reactor technology — because reliable, carbon-free baseload power is essential to a grid that works for families and businesses.

We need to advance geothermal energy development in Wisconsin as a proven, carbon-free baseload resource — because a resilient energy future requires a diverse portfolio of reliable clean power that isn’t subject to weather variability or fuel supply disruptions.

Additionally, we need to lift outdated barriers to energy development in Wisconsin.

Finally, the state must improve its investment in our public K-12 schools, technical colleges, and university campuses to bolster the workforce and support the critical biotech research at the Universities of Wisconsin. The state should also continue to be a strong partner to efforts around the Biohealth Tech Hub, and its efforts to ensure Wisconsin is a leader in this sector for years to come.

Q3 Wisconsin’s public K-12 education systems have seen a significant decline in the past two decades, with more than 600 public schools closing and statewide student enrollment dropping 7%. These impacts have been especially pronounced in Wisconsin’s many rural counties, where opportunities for STEM education are already fewer. What policies, if any, would you support to improve K-12 education for students across Wisconsin?

K-12 Science Education

As Governor, my plan includes universal early childhood education, new investments in public schools, and closing the special education reimbursement gap. I’ll ensure that every child has a launchpad to success—whether through college, technical school, apprenticeships, or direct-to-career pathways.

I recognize that when the state doesn’t pick up its share of public education funding, local school districts have to turn to local taxpayers for referenda to fill the gap to keep schools in communities open and to ensure that students have the resources and learning opportunities available to them.

My administration will prioritize funding for our public schools and close the special education funding gap, so our kids get the education, mental health support, and healthy school lunches they need to thrive and our schools have the resources to recruit and retain great teachers and deliver quality STEM learning opportunities both inside the classroom and through extra-curricular opportunities. I would also like to expand apprenticeships, dual enrollment, and earn and learn partnerships so that students can graduate with college credit, industry credentials, or a two-year degree pathway already underway, which cuts costs and time to enter into a career.

Q4 What do you see as the purpose of the department of health and human services and what skill sets and values do you set as criteria when considering who to appoint to this state department?

Public Health

As Governor, I will ensure the state’s Department of Health Services purpose is to support the health and wellbeing of Wisconsinites, guided by an evidence-based public health oriented approach. I will continue to be a champion for community health and access to health care, advancing the “No Wrong Door” model of care, investing in health services, directing funding toward community needs, and making it easier for working families to access care and services in their communities.

I believe health care is a right, and my goal is universal access to affordable, high-quality health care. My immediate priority is establishing a BadgerCare public option that gives families and small businesses an affordable alternative to private insurance while protecting Medicaid, strengthening rural health care, lowering prescription drug costs, and addressing Wisconsin’s health care workforce shortage. Health care also requires improvements in mental health supports, addiction treatment access, and EMS innovations across the state.

A DHS appointee must connect the dots across state agencies to meet the needs of people with a no wrong door approach for food, child care, housing, health care, jobs, and recognize that each community in Wisconsin has different needs and challenges in the constellation of services and supports to best serve people.

Q6 In 2025 alone, the National Institute on Health (NIH) awarded over $575 million for research grants and contracts to Wisconsin universities and hospitals, which directly supported over 6,500 jobs and generated an estimated $1.37 billion of economic activity. However, federal funding cuts for science research and agencies like the NIH and National Science Foundation leave the future for scientific research less assured. What policies, if any, do you support or plan to implement to promote continued funding for scientific research?

Science Funding

I will promote a continued investment in research and innovation within state agencies, at the Universities of Wisconsin and with partners. I recognize the importance of research, science, and data for progress. As County Executive, I developed collaborative partnerships between the County and the Medical College of Wisconsin to map regional mental health trends, pre- and post-COVID-19 suicide demographics, and data modeling for public health. It is essential for us to put science first for health care communication and availability of health care resources throughout Wisconsin. I will also advocate on behalf of Wisconsin with the federal delegation to fight for increased federal investment in research and undo the damaging recent decisions to defund critical research programs at NIH and other agencies.

Pete Karas

Green
Secretary of State
Submitted September 30, 2026

Q1 America has a growing artificial intelligence (AI) industry, supporting cutting edge innovation and reshaping businesses, but raising concerns about education, ownership, and security. Application of AI technology has increased the demand placed on data centers, controversial for their resource use (such as water and land) and raising utility costs. What are your policy positions in regards to data centers and AI? What sources of evidence informed these positions?

Artificial Intelligence

I oppose hyperscale data centers in Wisconsin. Period.

They use enormous amounts of water and electricity, eat up farmland, and can leave the rest of us paying higher electric bills. Too many of these deals are negotiated in secret, with non-disclosure agreements that keep the public in the dark. Then the state gives developers a sales tax break.

I support a statewide ban on new hyperscale data centers. Smaller data centers should face simple rules: no secret deals, full disclosure of water and electricity use before approval, and developers should pay for any grid upgrades they require. I’d also repeal Wisconsin’s data center sales tax exemption.

I feel the same way about AI. If AI is used to make a decision affecting your rights, benefits, job, or freedom, a real person should be responsible, and you should be told AI was used.

I’ve fought automated license plate cameras in my own community because unlimited surveillance is too easy to abuse.

My campaign takes no corporate money. I don’t owe these companies a thing.

My positions come from Wisconsin’s data center tax laws, MISO reports on electricity demand, and people in communities facing these projects.

KEYWORDS: Ban, Transparency, Accountability

Q2 Making the US competitive in the bioeconomy (using technology applied to renewable biological resources to produce food, energy and industrial goods) requires innovation and investments in business, academia and government. Please describe policies you will support, if any, that relate to workforce development in Wisconsin’s strengths such as agriculture, biotechnology, and energy; and explain their rationale.

Jobs and Workforce

Wisconsin’s bioeconomy should build wealth in small towns and on family farms. Big companies have had enough subsidies.

I support full state funding for technical colleges and paid apprenticeships in farming, food processing, biotechnology, forestry and renewable energy. A welder, lab technician or farm equipment specialist shouldn’t have to take on a pile of debt to learn a trade Wisconsin needs.

I also support UW Extension and agricultural and biotechnology research at our public universities. When taxpayers help pay for a discovery, Wisconsin farmers, workers and small businesses should benefit from it.

On energy, I support community solar and local ownership of renewable projects. Farmers who host energy projects should get fair lease payments and keep control of their land.

I’d also steer state investment toward cooperatives and small producers. Wisconsin has a long co-op tradition, and that model keeps more of the money in the communities that actually produce the food, energy and raw materials.

My reason is simple. Rural Wisconsin has lost young people for decades because the good jobs left. Train them here, for work here, and they’ll have a reason to stay.

KEYWORDS: Apprenticeships, Local Ownership, Family Farms, Cooperatives.

Q3 Wisconsin’s public K-12 education systems have seen a significant decline in the past two decades, with more than 600 public schools closing and statewide student enrollment dropping 7%. These impacts have been especially pronounced in Wisconsin’s many rural counties, where opportunities for STEM education are already fewer. What policies, if any, would you support to improve K-12 education for students across Wisconsin?

K-12 Science Education

Wisconsin needs to do a better job funding its public schools, especially in rural areas. Small districts shouldn’t have to beg voters for a referendum every few years just to keep teachers, buses and basic programs.

I support a school funding formula that keeps up with inflation and recognizes that small districts still have big fixed costs. I also support full state funding for special education and more help for rural districts with low enrollment.

I’d phase out the voucher program and put that money back into public schools.

Rural students should have the same chance to take STEM classes as students in bigger districts. That means better broadband, more access to science and technology teachers, shared programs between nearby districts, and more dual-credit classes through technical colleges.

The Secretary of State also sits on the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands, which manages the Common School Fund. That fund helps pay for library materials in public schools across Wisconsin. I’d protect that fund and press for open, public management of it.

KEYWORDS: Full Funding, Rural Schools, Public Dollars

Q5 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?

Trust in Science

It sounds like you. The only weak spot is the ““I am not a forester… I am not going to pretend”” sentence, which leans on negation. Saying what you will do lands stronger. I also added contractions to match your other answers.

As Secretary of State, most of the policy votes I’d cast would be as one of three members of the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands.

When those votes involve public land, I want to hear from people who know what they’re talking about. Before voting on a timber sale, a power line easement or another use of trust land, I’d want input from foresters, hydrologists, wildlife biologists and other scientists who can explain what the project would do to the water, soil and habitat.

I’d also listen to tribal natural resource experts, including scientists with the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission. They’ve spent decades studying northern Wisconsin’s forests, lakes and wildlife.

I have an economics degree, so I’m comfortable reading data and asking questions. On forestry, biology and hydrology, I’ll defer to the people who’ve spent their careers doing that work.

When experts disagree, I’ll look at the evidence, ask questions and explain publicly why I voted the way I did.

KEYWORDS: Evidence, Stewardship, Transparency

Q7 Wisconsin has faced an increasing number of infectious disease outbreaks in recent years, for instance with rising numbers of measles and avian influenza cases that threaten human health and agricultural industry, respectively. What policies, if any, would you support to manage the burden of infectious disease in the state and respond to future outbreaks?

Public Health

Outbreaks get stopped at the local level, by county health departments and public health nurses. Wisconsin has let that system run thin for years. I support stable state funding for local health departments so they can staff up, track cases and respond fast.

I support vaccines and want them easy to get. That means free or low-cost clinics run by public health nurses, especially in rural counties where the nearest clinic can be an hour away.

Avian flu threatens farms and the people who work on them. DHS, the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection and UW Extension should work as one team, with fast testing for farm workers and fair compensation for farmers who lose flocks or herds. Farmers report problems faster when they know reporting won’t ruin them.

During an outbreak, people need honest, timely information. Case counts, emergency orders and health guidance should be public, plainly written and easy to find.

Trust is the hardest part to rebuild. Public health officials earn it by telling people what they know, what they don’t, and why the advice changes when the evidence does.

KEYWORDS: Local Health, Access, Trust

Steven Doelder

Democratic
State SenateDistrict 11
Submitted August 4, 2026

Q1 America has a growing artificial intelligence (AI) industry, supporting cutting edge innovation and reshaping businesses, but raising concerns about education, ownership, and security. Application of AI technology has increased the demand placed on data centers, controversial for their resource use (such as water and land) and raising utility costs. What are your policy positions in regards to data centers and AI? What sources of evidence informed these positions?

Artificial Intelligence

I would support a one-year moratorium on any large (specifically define) data centers for Wisconsin. This would allow for regulations to catch up with the technology. I would also like to see the prohibition of non-disclosure agreements used by data companies which prevent citizens from having information about these data centers. Finally, I would like the State to provide technical and legal assistance to small communities dealing with data centers.

KEYWORDS: moratorium/assistance/non-disclosure

Q2 Making the US competitive in the bioeconomy (using technology applied to renewable biological resources to produce food, energy and industrial goods) requires innovation and investments in business, academia and government. Please describe policies you will support, if any, that relate to workforce development in Wisconsin’s strengths such as agriculture, biotechnology, and energy; and explain their rationale.

Jobs and Workforce

We need to adequately fund our public schools and universities. When I graduated from UW-Steven Point in 1971, the State was covering over 60% of my cost. Today, the State only covers 19%. This has to change. We have to provide adequate science, healthcare, and technology training. The public K12 schools must be adequately funded by the State so all students have the same opportunities no matter their zip codes. We need to stop pitting our public schools against the property taxpayers. We need to stop draining funds from our public school districts by terminating the school voucher program which gives public taxpayer’s dollars to private schools. We need a National Science Foundation-like organization that trains science teachers and creates science programs such as BSCS, IPS, ISCS and SCIS. We need to emphasize higher order thinking skills rather than rote learning.

KEYWORDS: NSF/funding/thinking

Q3 Wisconsin’s public K-12 education systems have seen a significant decline in the past two decades, with more than 600 public schools closing and statewide student enrollment dropping 7%. These impacts have been especially pronounced in Wisconsin’s many rural counties, where opportunities for STEM education are already fewer. What policies, if any, would you support to improve K-12 education for students across Wisconsin?

K-12 Science Education

I was a science educator for over 40 years and taught 6th grade science through college chemistry. I believe in teaching students to think and solve problems…to know what to do when you don’t know what to do. We need to attract the best and most talented students into science teaching and reward them for being innovative and creative. We cannot continue to allow our public schools to be funded by the property taxpayers. The State needs to adequately fund every public school so every student has the same opportunities (including all science disciplines) no matter their zip codes. We need a NSF-like organization to train science teachers and create programs such as IPS, ISCS, and BSCS. We need to act like we are trying to get to the moon again. We did it once and we can do it again!

KEYWORDS: thinking/opportunity/creativity

Q5 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?

Trust in Science

For over forty years I taught students to think critically and use the scientific method to solve problems. I taught them to know what to do when they don’t know what to do. Experimental design was an event in the Science Olympiad and I used it in many of my classes to give students a tool to accomplish a task. I used the movie Apollo 13 to show them how science saved the lives of the trapped astronauts. Science has been the center of my life and I use it everyday to make things work and to get things done!

KEYWORDS: tool/solutions/solve

Q7 Wisconsin has faced an increasing number of infectious disease outbreaks in recent years, for instance with rising numbers of measles and avian influenza cases that threaten human health and agricultural industry, respectively. What policies, if any, would you support to manage the burden of infectious disease in the state and respond to future outbreaks?

Public Health

I grew up when polio was part of life. People were doomed to live in an iron lung machine. Then came vaccines and we lined up in the cafeteria to receive our sugar-cube laced polio vaccine. We were proud of our smallpox scar on our shoulder. I had measles and now am grateful that today, children won’t have to experience that disease if they get vaccinated. I grew up when we trusted science to give us hope and good health. There were no protests or anti-vaxers. We had shared truth and a path to a better life. Science gives us the best-possible solutions to the problems we face everyday. It is the path I choose and use everyday.

KEYWORDS: truth/health/path

Jeff Foster

Democratic
State SenateDistrict 23
Submitted August 4, 2026

Q1 America has a growing artificial intelligence (AI) industry, supporting cutting edge innovation and reshaping businesses, but raising concerns about education, ownership, and security. Application of AI technology has increased the demand placed on data centers, controversial for their resource use (such as water and land) and raising utility costs. What are your policy positions in regards to data centers and AI? What sources of evidence informed these positions?

Artificial Intelligence

Generative artificial intelligence must be regulated to ensure content is factual, preserves personal privacy, conforms to ethical standards, has built-in guardrails, and is human-controllable. Data centers must be environment-friendly for land, water, noise, and light; produce its own green energy, and rely on their own resources for development, construction, and taxes. These policies are based on actual performance and projections by informed scientists as reported in respected print and broadcast media..

KEYWORDS: Regulation, protection, accountability.

Q2 Making the US competitive in the bioeconomy (using technology applied to renewable biological resources to produce food, energy and industrial goods) requires innovation and investments in business, academia and government. Please describe policies you will support, if any, that relate to workforce development in Wisconsin’s strengths such as agriculture, biotechnology, and energy; and explain their rationale.

Jobs and Workforce

The Universities of Wisconsin system has been a bastion of research and innovation, especially in agriculture, including biotechnology. It has committed to fusion energy experimentation and development. These pursuits have produced many private companies that employ Wisconsin residents. I support state funding for research and start-up loans for spin-off companies utilizing proven innovation.

KEYWORDS: Research, innovation, investment.

Q3 Wisconsin’s public K-12 education systems have seen a significant decline in the past two decades, with more than 600 public schools closing and statewide student enrollment dropping 7%. These impacts have been especially pronounced in Wisconsin’s many rural counties, where opportunities for STEM education are already fewer. What policies, if any, would you support to improve K-12 education for students across Wisconsin?

K-12 Science Education

Fully-funded public schools will reduce inequities faced by rural school districts. Phasing out the voucher system will concentrate resources to a single constitutionally mandated public education system. Expanding hands-on STEM education to all age groups. Fully funding quality childcare will prepare children for a lifetime of learning.

KEYWORDS: Fully-funded, hands-on, childcare.

Q5 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?

Trust in Science

I would refer to scientific journals, opinion pieces by respected experts, and personal consultation with University professors.

KEYWORDS: Journals, experts, consultation.

Q7 Wisconsin has faced an increasing number of infectious disease outbreaks in recent years, for instance with rising numbers of measles and avian influenza cases that threaten human health and agricultural industry, respectively. What policies, if any, would you support to manage the burden of infectious disease in the state and respond to future outbreaks?

Public Health

I would reduce the variety of exemptions available to parents for child school enrollment. I would encourage a multi-media public education campaign that stresses the effectiveness of vaccines and our shared responsibility for safety.

KEYWORDS: Exemptions, education, responsibility

Christopher Able

Democratic
State AssemblyDistrict 25
Submitted September 10, 2026

Q1 America has a growing artificial intelligence (AI) industry, supporting cutting edge innovation and reshaping businesses, but raising concerns about education, ownership, and security. Application of AI technology has increased the demand placed on data centers, controversial for their resource use (such as water and land) and raising utility costs. What are your policy positions in regards to data centers and AI? What sources of evidence informed these positions?

Artificial Intelligence

I believe that much of the stronger opposition to AI and data centers represents fear of the uncertainty of the future. I understand and support protectionist concerns about the environment but am confident rules can be set to calm those concerns.

Many are also concerned about losing their livelihoods to automation and this causes much of the concerns around AI. In the earliest part of this century, we saw many companies rework operations as they came out of the recession. They were able to do more with fewer employees. This shows that the concerns noted above are not irrational.

That said, business always changing and working to do more at lower costs. The nature of the work that businesses need is always going to change. We need to support skills training to help with these changes.

As far as works created through or with AI. These must have that clearly identified.

KEYWORDS: Reasonable / Protect the environment / Provide work skills training

Q2 Making the US competitive in the bioeconomy (using technology applied to renewable biological resources to produce food, energy and industrial goods) requires innovation and investments in business, academia and government. Please describe policies you will support, if any, that relate to workforce development in Wisconsin’s strengths such as agriculture, biotechnology, and energy; and explain their rationale.

Jobs and Workforce

Wisconsin has long been a leader in these fields and I would support government investment in prospective new technologies and strong support for UW programs to keep us at the forefront.

KEYWORDS: Wisconsin Idea / government investment

Q3 Wisconsin’s public K-12 education systems have seen a significant decline in the past two decades, with more than 600 public schools closing and statewide student enrollment dropping 7%. These impacts have been especially pronounced in Wisconsin’s many rural counties, where opportunities for STEM education are already fewer. What policies, if any, would you support to improve K-12 education for students across Wisconsin?

K-12 Science Education

We need to fix Public School funding and provide a stabile (reliable) State funding plan to allow school districts to plan for the future. I do not support overly intrusive legislation from the State on instruction. Our school districts need strong local control.

KEYWORDS: Fix Funding / Local Control

Q5 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?

Trust in Science

As I did a Library Board President during COVID, I will listen to and follow the guidance of experts and professionals. While some recommendations may be unpopular, we must follow the science.

KEYWORDS: Follow the Science

Q7 Wisconsin has faced an increasing number of infectious disease outbreaks in recent years, for instance with rising numbers of measles and avian influenza cases that threaten human health and agricultural industry, respectively. What policies, if any, would you support to manage the burden of infectious disease in the state and respond to future outbreaks?

Public Health

While we cannot compel (silly) folks to get vaccinated, we must ensure that the Public Health is protected. We must promote the value of vaccinations and not allow unvaccinated people to turn places like schools into super-spreader locations

KEYWORDS: Public Health

Mike Bare

Democratic
State AssemblyDistrict 80
Submitted September 21, 2026

Q1 America has a growing artificial intelligence (AI) industry, supporting cutting edge innovation and reshaping businesses, but raising concerns about education, ownership, and security. Application of AI technology has increased the demand placed on data centers, controversial for their resource use (such as water and land) and raising utility costs. What are your policy positions in regards to data centers and AI? What sources of evidence informed these positions?

Artificial Intelligence

I serve on the Legislative Council Study Committee on the use of AI in healthcare. It has become clear to me that we need responsible guardrails on both AI and data centers. On data centers, we must protect public health, the environment, and utility ratepayers. The data centers must pay their fair share, and we should require energy efficiency and renewable energy be used to the biggest extent possible. Local governments should be the ones in control. On AI, we need guardrails that protect people and business, and intellectual property, from runaway AI. There are many potential benefits to scientific discovery and societal advances, but we must develop and deploy these technologies safely.

KEYWORDS: Responsibility, efficiency, guardrails

Q2 Making the US competitive in the bioeconomy (using technology applied to renewable biological resources to produce food, energy and industrial goods) requires innovation and investments in business, academia and government. Please describe policies you will support, if any, that relate to workforce development in Wisconsin’s strengths such as agriculture, biotechnology, and energy; and explain their rationale.

Jobs and Workforce

I represent Epic, and many engineering, biotech, and infotech companies and their workers. We have good public schools and the University of Wisconsin, which make us a prime location for growth and economic development in the bioeconomy. I have sponsored legislation to prohibit non-compete acts, and promote prevailing wage. I also worked with the City of Middleton to help Thermo Fisher keep its presence strong in Wisconsin–they had considered moving jobs to other states without this support.

KEYWORDS: Opportunity, grow, maintain

Q3 Wisconsin’s public K-12 education systems have seen a significant decline in the past two decades, with more than 600 public schools closing and statewide student enrollment dropping 7%. These impacts have been especially pronounced in Wisconsin’s many rural counties, where opportunities for STEM education are already fewer. What policies, if any, would you support to improve K-12 education for students across Wisconsin?

K-12 Science Education

Public schools are the bedrock of our communities and economic development. School districts need sufficient funding to stay open and create equitable outcomes for students. Sufficient funding also ensures we can recruit and retain educators in every district, especially those that struggle today to offer a good public education. Those educators need a big raise, good benefits, and a seat at the bargaining table. We also need to create better pipelines from K-12 to higher education in STEM–I’ve had the privilege and hanging out with high schoolers involved with BadgerBots. They spend their Saturday nights building competitive robots. We need to have more of those kinds of experiential opportunities.

KEYWORDS: Funding, educators, pipeline

Q5 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?

Trust in Science

I regularly seek out expert opinions on policies we consider. I have done so on AI, housing and building codes, and environmental protection. One of the most interesting experiences of this past session was attending a soil science presentation at a community watershed meeting. The presentation was by a UW-Extension soil science professor. I was absolutely fascinated by this science, and the impact humans are having on our soil. We need scientists to inform our legislating. I own a t-shirt that says “Science doesn’t care what you believe,” and I wear it proudly.

KEYWORDS: Input, soil example, trust

Q7 Wisconsin has faced an increasing number of infectious disease outbreaks in recent years, for instance with rising numbers of measles and avian influenza cases that threaten human health and agricultural industry, respectively. What policies, if any, would you support to manage the burden of infectious disease in the state and respond to future outbreaks?

Public Health

I am the lead sponsor of a bill to restore public health officers’ powers that the Republicans in the Legislature took away during the COVID-19 pandemic. These officers need to be able to control this spread of disease. Recent outbreaks just reinforce this. Before being elected to the Legislature, I taught graduate courses in public health policy at the UW-Milwaukee Zilber School of Public Health. We need to educate people on the benefits of all working together and that we are not autonomous units. We are interconnected, and our health is determined by far more than just our individual actions. It is a product of factors that are mostly out of our individual control, but together we can protect and improve public health.

KEYWORDS: Empower, educate, together

Brian Bock

Democratic
State AssemblyDistrict 61
Submitted July 18, 2026

Q1 America has a growing artificial intelligence (AI) industry, supporting cutting edge innovation and reshaping businesses, but raising concerns about education, ownership, and security. Application of AI technology has increased the demand placed on data centers, controversial for their resource use (such as water and land) and raising utility costs. What are your policy positions in regards to data centers and AI? What sources of evidence informed these positions?

Artificial Intelligence

I support responsible AI innovation that balances economic growth with environmental stewardship and community health. As a clinical pharmacist and public health advocate, I prioritize evidence-based policies that protect Wisconsin families while fostering technological advancement.

I advocate for transparent environmental impact assessments before approving new data centers, requiring water usage disclosure and sustainable cooling technologies. Evidence shows AI data centers consume exponentially increasing energy, straining local utilities and resources. Streamlined permitting should not bypass community input or environmental safeguards.

I support public investment in AI research focused on healthcare applications, education, and workforce development, ensuring benefits reach all communities rather than consolidating corporate power. Wisconsin should leverage AI for medication management, behavioral health outcomes, and technical college training programs.

Clear data ownership laws and cybersecurity standards protect patient privacy and prevent algorithmic bias in healthcare and criminal justice.

Evidence Base: Congressional testimony on AI’s economic impacts, University reports (Stanford & Vanderbilt reports were reviewed) on AI regulation, and environmental studies on data center resource consumption inform these positions.

KEYWORDS: AI regulation, data center sustainability, healthcare innovation

Q2 Making the US competitive in the bioeconomy (using technology applied to renewable biological resources to produce food, energy and industrial goods) requires innovation and investments in business, academia and government. Please describe policies you will support, if any, that relate to workforce development in Wisconsin’s strengths such as agriculture, biotechnology, and energy; and explain their rationale.

Jobs and Workforce

I support expanding Wisconsin Fast Forward grants to fund biotechnology, agricultural innovation, and renewable energy training programs at UW System campuses and technical colleges. Evidence shows programs like MREA’s Solar Ready Wisconsin successfully placed 27 interns with solar contractors, demonstrating public-private partnerships work.

Biotechnology & Healthcare: As a clinical pharmacist, I would look to increase UW-Madison and MCW biohealth research funding, creating pipelines from technical colleges to specialty pharmacy and behavioral health careers. Wisconsin’s Biohealth Tech Hub shows strong ecosystem growth requiring skilled workers.

Agriculture Innovation: Support UW Extension’s agricultural education programs and FFA partnerships, training workers in precision agriculture, sustainable farming, and food processing—Wisconsin’s economic backbone.

Clean Energy: Expand Wisconsin Solar Corps and Focus Force Milwaukee models statewide, prioritizing disadvantaged communities for renewable energy career pathways. DWD’s $1 million green jobs investment proves effective.

Rationale: Wisconsin faces workforce shortages in high-skill sectors while workers need re-skilling opportunities. My healthcare background shows targeted training improves outcomes—same applies to bioeconomy sectors. These policies leverage existing UW System infrastructure, technical college networks, and proven models like MREA’s NABCEP certification programs.

KEYWORDS: workforce development, bioeconomy innovation, technical training

Q3 Wisconsin’s public K-12 education systems have seen a significant decline in the past two decades, with more than 600 public schools closing and statewide student enrollment dropping 7%. These impacts have been especially pronounced in Wisconsin’s many rural counties, where opportunities for STEM education are already fewer. What policies, if any, would you support to improve K-12 education for students across Wisconsin?

K-12 Science Education

I support fully funding Wisconsin’s public schools to reverse the 600+ school closures and 7% enrollment decline, particularly impacting rural STEM access. As a school board treasurer and pharmacist preceptor, I’ve seen how underfunding devastates educational opportunities.

Equitable Funding Reform: Restore state commitment to cover two-thirds of school costs through Fair Funding formulas, reducing property tax burdens while ensuring rural districts have resources for science labs, technology, and qualified STEM teachers.

STEM & Robotics Expansion: Mandate K-12 STEM programming as fully funded extracurricular activities, including robotics teams, coding clubs, and science competitions. Treat these like athletics—essential enrichment, not luxury add-ons. Research shows hands-on STEM improves retention and college readiness.techplan+1

Rural School Support: Increase sparsity aid beyond $2 million, recognizing rural schools face higher per-pupil costs. Fund regional STEM hubs where multiple districts share resources, teachers, and equipment like 3D printers and robotics kits.

Teacher Development: Expand science teacher professional development funding ($250,000 insufficient) and create loan forgiveness for STEM educators in underserved areas.

Rationale: Wisconsin’s education spending trails national averages while voucher programs drain resources. My healthcare career was built with a strong WI public university science programing—every child deserves that foundation.

KEYWORDS: school funding equity, STEM education access, rural education support

Q5 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?

Trust in Science

As a clinical pharmacist who precepts pharmacy students and manages behavioral health patients, I rely on scientific evidence daily. If elected, I would consult scientists in multiple capacities:

Direct Policy Areas: Healthcare legislation (medication safety, mental health outcomes), building and construction (engineers, union tradesmen) environmental regulations (water quality, air pollution), education curricula (STEM standards, evidence-based teaching), and public health emergencies (pandemic response, vaccination policy).

Advisory Mechanisms: Establish relationships with scientific experts within Wisconsin, UW researchers, medical professionals, and public health experts to review legislation before votes. My advisory plan mimics how healthcare uses pharmacy & therapeutics committees for medication decisions.

Evidence-Based Decision Making: Consult peer-reviewed research, CDC guidelines, and Wisconsin-specific studies from Wisconsin college and university institutions when crafting policies affecting schools, healthcare, and environment.

Transparency: Publicly disclose which scientific sources informed each policy position, allowing constituents to evaluate evidence quality. Scientists serve as honest brokers presenting options, not advocates dictating choices.

Rationale: My healthcare career demonstrates that ignoring scientific consensus harms patients—same applies to public policy. Wisconsin faces complex challenges (climate change, healthcare access, education outcomes) requiring expert input alongside constituent values and fiscal realities. Science informs but doesn’t replace democratic decision-making.

KEYWORDS: evidence-based policy, scientific advisory committees, transparent decision-making

Q7 Wisconsin has faced an increasing number of infectious disease outbreaks in recent years, for instance with rising numbers of measles and avian influenza cases that threaten human health and agricultural industry, respectively. What policies, if any, would you support to manage the burden of infectious disease in the state and respond to future outbreaks?

Public Health

As a clinical pharmacist and behavioral health specialist, I’ve witnessed how infectious disease outbreaks devastate healthcare systems. I support evidence-based policies aligned with Wisconsin Public Health Association (WPHA) recommendations to protect communities and agriculture.

Vaccination & Prevention: Strongly support mandatory school vaccination requirements with medical exemptions only, following WPHA’s 2019 measles resolution urging vaccination of every eligible person. Fund public health campaigns reaching vaccine-hesitant communities through pharmacists and local health departments.

Surveillance & Response: Increase CDC PHEP grant funding for disease surveillance, immediate reporting systems (Category I diseases within 72 hours), and outbreak response teams. Protect local health officer authority to act swiftly during emergencies.

Healthcare Preparedness: Require long-term care facilities maintain PPE stockpiles, respiratory illness protocols, and staff training—lessons from COVID-19 and current avian influenza threats.

Workforce Investment: Address public health nurse shortages through recruitment initiatives and restore the DHS Director of Public Health Nursing position, recognizing workforce as critical infrastructure.

Agricultural Protection: Coordinate DHS, DATCP, and UW Extension for zoonotic disease monitoring, protecting both farm workers and livestock industries from avian influenza.

Rationale: WPHA emphasizes collective action on root causes and evidence-based policy. My pharmacy experience shows prevention saves lives and costs less than outbreak response.

KEYWORDS: vaccination policy, disease surveillance, public health preparedness

Ben Brist

Democratic
State AssemblyDistrict 61
Submitted July 24, 2026

Q1 America has a growing artificial intelligence (AI) industry, supporting cutting edge innovation and reshaping businesses, but raising concerns about education, ownership, and security. Application of AI technology has increased the demand placed on data centers, controversial for their resource use (such as water and land) and raising utility costs. What are your policy positions in regards to data centers and AI? What sources of evidence informed these positions?

Artificial Intelligence

My stance on AI and data centers is one of caution. I support a data center moratorium to implement safeguards for Wisconsin citizens. I support making the companies building these data centers pay for the costs, not the communities they reside in, so citizens are not burdened with higher utility costs, worsened water quality, and worsened air quality through the consumption of fossil fuels. Data centers should require input from community members before ground is broken, while also running on clean energy, paying for their own electricity usage, and not impacting the local water sources. These positions are informed by local advocacy organizations such as those in Port Washington, existing research in public policy and scientific communities regarding the impact of data centers, and previous data center projects.

KEYWORDS: Caution, Moratorium, Self-Funded, Clean Energy, Regulation, Local Authority

Q2 Making the US competitive in the bioeconomy (using technology applied to renewable biological resources to produce food, energy and industrial goods) requires innovation and investments in business, academia and government. Please describe policies you will support, if any, that relate to workforce development in Wisconsin’s strengths such as agriculture, biotechnology, and energy; and explain their rationale.

Jobs and Workforce

I support investing in agriculture, biotechnology, and energy, particularly to fix the issues caused by agricultural pollution. These industries are going to power economic growth in the future, and it is vital that Wisconsin, as America’s dairyland and agricultural hub, is at the forefront of investment and development of the workforce in these key sectors. Areas such as renewable energy are continuing to grow in the state of Wisconsin; backing policies surrounding economic development of the energy workforce must include expansion of renewable energy developments to expand our energy grid and create job developments in these growing sectors. I have experience working on biotech investment in particular while working in Tammy Baldwin’s office. I have seen firsthand the desire to expand Wisconsin’s biotech industry and will continue this work as an Assembly member.

KEYWORDS: Investment, Biotech, Development

Q3 Wisconsin’s public K-12 education systems have seen a significant decline in the past two decades, with more than 600 public schools closing and statewide student enrollment dropping 7%. These impacts have been especially pronounced in Wisconsin’s many rural counties, where opportunities for STEM education are already fewer. What policies, if any, would you support to improve K-12 education for students across Wisconsin?

K-12 Science Education

One of my core focuses centers around fully funding our public schools by using existing state funds. We need to use our budget surplus to fund public schools and lessen the property tax burden on Wisconsin residents. I also believe in the importance of teachers on the outcomes of students, especially in crucial subjects in STEM. We need to improve the working conditions of our educators by strengthening labor protections and providing them the pay and coverage so they can afford to stay in Wisconsin and educate the next generation. Rural communities cannot be left out of the equation either, as they face a crisis in funding. I want to end the voucher program that takes away state dollars to fund private schools and put that money back into our public schools, so that schools in the city center and our rural communities both receive the resources that they need to help students succeed.

KEYWORDS: Proper Funding, Property Taxes, STEM

Q5 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?

Trust in Science

I have great respect for the academic communities in our state and across the nation. I attended the Harvard Kennedy School because I believe in the importance of conducting research that informs policy. Therefore, I would refer to scientific research and new findings to inform my policy positions. I would ensure my policy votes balance public and expert opinions, because my role as a legislator is to answer the tough questions and how they apply to our community. I also know that I cannot be an expert on every subject, but that we have expansive research being done everyday by fields of experts, and we must support those communities by putting their research into our policy. My experience as a fellow in Dane County Executive Melissa Agard’s office on water pollution issues required me to balance stakeholders and expert opinions, and I will bring that same level of nuance to Madison.

KEYWORDS: Trust, Research, Policy

Q7 Wisconsin has faced an increasing number of infectious disease outbreaks in recent years, for instance with rising numbers of measles and avian influenza cases that threaten human health and agricultural industry, respectively. What policies, if any, would you support to manage the burden of infectious disease in the state and respond to future outbreaks?

Public Health

It is vital that we support our public health within the state to prepare for and defend against any infectious disease outbreak. That starts with ensuring everyone has access to healthcare so they can be covered in case of emergency. I support a public option at the state level so no Wisconsin resident faces rising healthcare costs and avoids getting necessary care. In doing so, our preventative health measures will be strengthened to catch infectious diseases that enter our state and prevent outbreaks. On a large scale, I support public health measures that protect every citizen, especially those who are most vulnerable. I support ensuring the Wisconsin DHS Division of Public Health is fully funded to prevent outbreaks like bird flu or the ongoing cyclospora outbreak. This also includes using our community health facilities to regularly screen for infectious diseases and providing them funding for PPE or other community health safety measures to distribute to our neighbors.

KEYWORDS: Affordable, Accessible, Public Option, Community Safety

Brienne Brown

Democratic
State AssemblyDistrict 43
Submitted September 30, 2026

Q1 America has a growing artificial intelligence (AI) industry, supporting cutting edge innovation and reshaping businesses, but raising concerns about education, ownership, and security. Application of AI technology has increased the demand placed on data centers, controversial for their resource use (such as water and land) and raising utility costs. What are your policy positions in regards to data centers and AI? What sources of evidence informed these positions?

Artificial Intelligence

AI is an extraordinary technology that will change our lives, but it needs safeguards for privacy, security, intellectual property, and workers’ rights. People deserve transparency when AI influences consequential decisions and a way to challenge errors. I coauthored SB 142 to prevent algorithms from being used to fix rents.

I cosponsored AB 722 to establish guardrails for data centers, protect public health and the environment, and prevent their energy costs from being shifted onto other utility customers. I support local input, protection of water supplies and farmland, disclosure of resource use, and requiring companies to pay for necessary infrastructure. I would also require financial assurance, such as bonds, to cover pollution cleanup and safe closure so taxpayers are not left with the bill.

My public health background informs my focus on prevention and accountability. I follow reporting in Wired, The Economist, The Atlantic, Bloomberg, and The New Yorker. Policy should also draw on independent research and input from workers, educators, utilities, and affected communities.

KEYWORDS: innovation, safeguards, accountability

Q2 Making the US competitive in the bioeconomy (using technology applied to renewable biological resources to produce food, energy and industrial goods) requires innovation and investments in business, academia and government. Please describe policies you will support, if any, that relate to workforce development in Wisconsin’s strengths such as agriculture, biotechnology, and energy; and explain their rationale.

Jobs and Workforce

Wisconsin should build on its strengths in agriculture, biotechnology, and energy through the Wisconsin Idea: connecting public research with practical improvements in people’s lives.

I support stronger funding for UW research and agricultural Extension, with farmers helping shape research on crop resilience, soil health, and renewable biological resources. Grants and technical assistance should help family farms, cooperatives, and small businesses bring innovations to market.

I would expand paid apprenticeships and technical college partnerships in biotechnology, food processing, clean energy, and equipment maintenance. Childcare and transportation assistance would make training more accessible.

I am optimistic about responsibly developed nuclear energy, including fission and research toward fusion, with rigorous safety standards and responsible waste management. I also support investment in high-speed rail to connect communities, expand access to jobs, and create skilled construction and operating careers.

Public investments should create safe, well-paid jobs, protect land and water, and build a durable middle class.

KEYWORDS: Research, sustainability, investment

Q3 Wisconsin’s public K-12 education systems have seen a significant decline in the past two decades, with more than 600 public schools closing and statewide student enrollment dropping 7%. These impacts have been especially pronounced in Wisconsin’s many rural counties, where opportunities for STEM education are already fewer. What policies, if any, would you support to improve K-12 education for students across Wisconsin?

K-12 Science Education

Every Wisconsin child deserves a strong public school, regardless of ZIP code. I support increasing state funding to reduce reliance on property taxes and strengthening special education reimbursement so schools can meet students’ needs.

I would expand early dual-language instruction and hands-on learning through science, the arts, outdoor education, and career exploration. Regional partnerships among schools, technical colleges, UW campuses, and employers could bring STEM courses, laboratories, and apprenticeships to rural students.

I also support public magnet schools focused on the arts, mathematics, science, and other specialties, drawing inspiration from Austin, Texas, where I went to a magnet math and science academy. Regional planning should ensure accessible admissions and transportation while strengthening neighborhood schools.

Teaching should be a highly respected, well-paid profession. I support rigorous, competitive teacher preparation, extensive classroom practice, paid student teaching, mentoring, and collective bargaining. Schools also need counselors, nurses, librarians, nutritious meals, and mental health services. These investments would help students thrive and prepare for careers, further education, and civic life.

KEYWORDS: Access, excellence, investment

Q5 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?

Trust in Science

As a former public health scientist who gathered, analyzed, and reported data, including longitudinal analysis, I understand that reliable science takes time. Following patterns over years can reveal what a short-term study cannot, and careful research requires sustained funding and patience.

I would consult scientists with relevant expertise when considering policies affecting health, education, agriculture, energy, and the environment. I would give particular weight to peer-reviewed research and the broader body of evidence, asking about methods, uncertainty, funding sources, and potential conflicts of interest.

My responsibility is to weigh that evidence alongside community experience and public needs, explain my decisions clearly, and remain willing to revise policies when credible new evidence emerges.

KEYWORDS: Evidence, rigor, patience

Q7 Wisconsin has faced an increasing number of infectious disease outbreaks in recent years, for instance with rising numbers of measles and avian influenza cases that threaten human health and agricultural industry, respectively. What policies, if any, would you support to manage the burden of infectious disease in the state and respond to future outbreaks?

Public Health

As a former public health scientist, I would invest in research, reliable data collection, and early detection of infectious disease. Wisconsin needs sustained funding for local and Tribal health departments, laboratories, epidemiologists, and public health nurses.

I support accessible vaccination through school and community clinics and rural outreach, paired with clear information from trusted healthcare professionals. Public health agencies, veterinarians, farmers, and UW researchers should coordinate human and animal health monitoring to identify threats early.

Farms and agricultural workers need affordable testing, protective equipment, biosecurity training, and support that makes prompt reporting feasible. We should maintain laboratory capacity, essential supplies, and outbreak response plans with clear responsibilities across agencies.

I also support paid sick leave so workers can stay home when ill without losing essential income. Prevention and preparedness require ongoing investment, with policies guided by evidence and updated as we learn.

KEYWORDS: Prevention, Preparedness, Coordination

Matt Brown

Democratic
State AssemblyDistrict 24
Submitted September 10, 2026

Q1 America has a growing artificial intelligence (AI) industry, supporting cutting edge innovation and reshaping businesses, but raising concerns about education, ownership, and security. Application of AI technology has increased the demand placed on data centers, controversial for their resource use (such as water and land) and raising utility costs. What are your policy positions in regards to data centers and AI? What sources of evidence informed these positions?

Artificial Intelligence

It is imperative that we maintain oversight of Data Centers and the use of AI. The use of our natural resources should be carefully monitored by the public. How we control this technology now will pay dividends in the future. There is evidence coming out regarding the effect on education, privacy and security. There seems to be plenty of issues to be concerned about surrounding Data Centers and AI.

KEYWORDS: Oversight. Control. Future.

Q2 Making the US competitive in the bioeconomy (using technology applied to renewable biological resources to produce food, energy and industrial goods) requires innovation and investments in business, academia and government. Please describe policies you will support, if any, that relate to workforce development in Wisconsin’s strengths such as agriculture, biotechnology, and energy; and explain their rationale.

Jobs and Workforce

I would continue to support “The Wisconsin Idea” which began in 1912. Providing grants for research that benefit us in so many different areas of our lives. Continuing the progress through the 21 Century.

KEYWORDS: Wisconsin. Reseach. Progress

Q3 Wisconsin’s public K-12 education systems have seen a significant decline in the past two decades, with more than 600 public schools closing and statewide student enrollment dropping 7%. These impacts have been especially pronounced in Wisconsin’s many rural counties, where opportunities for STEM education are already fewer. What policies, if any, would you support to improve K-12 education for students across Wisconsin?

K-12 Science Education

We need to fund our public schools with the resources needed to provide a quality education. Maybe one of the reasons for the decline in enrollment is because of the disparity in the Shared Revenue Formula. Also, the non public schools do not have the same mandates as the public schools.

KEYWORDS: Resources. Quality. Mandates

Q5 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?

Trust in Science

I will always look to the professionals and their expertise when making any decision.

KEYWORDS: Professionals. Expertise. Decision.

Q7 Wisconsin has faced an increasing number of infectious disease outbreaks in recent years, for instance with rising numbers of measles and avian influenza cases that threaten human health and agricultural industry, respectively. What policies, if any, would you support to manage the burden of infectious disease in the state and respond to future outbreaks?

Public Health

While some diseases were thought to be eradicated or nearly eradicated. It was only because of decades administering vaccines on a global scale. As much as I may appreciate the right for people to make their own choices, the overall health of the masses needs to be taken into consideration. The CDC has made recommendations based on years of science and research. We should continue following the CDC recommendations because all that research has saved millions of lives.

KEYWORDS: Eradicated. Vaccines. CDC

Alex Corrigan

Democratic
State AssemblyDistrict 55
Submitted October 10, 2026

Q1 America has a growing artificial intelligence (AI) industry, supporting cutting edge innovation and reshaping businesses, but raising concerns about education, ownership, and security. Application of AI technology has increased the demand placed on data centers, controversial for their resource use (such as water and land) and raising utility costs. What are your policy positions in regards to data centers and AI? What sources of evidence informed these positions?

Artificial Intelligence

I think AI is here to stay, and I’d much rather see data centers developed responsibly here in Wisconsin than pushed somewhere else where there may be fewer protections for workers, communities, and natural resources.

But I also think we’re moving awfully fast without having some pretty important conversations first.

I’d support a temporary pause on new large-scale data center approvals while we bring together a bipartisan group of stakeholders to figure out what regulations make sense for Wisconsin. That conversation needs to include farmers, local governments, utility companies, labor organizations, environmental experts, technology companies, and the people who actually live in the communities being considered for these projects.

We need to answer some basic questions. How much water will these facilities use? Who pays for the additional electrical infrastructure? What happens if a project closes after we’ve built infrastructure around it? What are the actual long-term economic benefits to the surrounding community? And how do we make sure local residents have a meaningful voice before decisions are made?

I actually think this is part of a much bigger conversation about land use in Wisconsin. We’re seeing enormous proposals for data centers, solar farms, and other high-megawatt energy projects, sometimes involving thousands of acres. I understand the need for new energy infrastructure, but I also understand why farmers and rural residents are worried about losing productive agricultural land and changing the character of their communities.

I’d like to explore creating a nonpartisan land use commission to look at these issues more comprehensively. Rather than evaluating every project in isolation, we should be thinking about where development makes sense, how projects interact with one another, and how we preserve Wisconsin’s agricultural heritage while meeting our future energy needs. I don’t think we should expect individual town boards to figure out all of these complicated issues on their own.

As for AI itself, I generally support a human-in-the-loop standard, particularly when decisions affect people’s rights, healthcare, education, employment, or access to services. AI can be an incredibly useful tool, but it shouldn’t replace human judgment or accountability. People should know when AI is being used to make consequential decisions about their lives, and they should have a meaningful opportunity to challenge those decisions.

My thinking has been informed by conversations with farmers and residents facing proposed energy developments, as well as research on data center energy demands, utility regulation, and AI governance.

The International Energy Agency’s 2025 Energy and AI report documents the rapid growth in data center electricity demand and the particular challenges that concentrated demand can create for local power grids.

The Wisconsin Public Service Commission’s own explanation of its regulatory authority makes clear that while it regulates the utilities serving data centers, it does not directly regulate the construction or operation of the data centers themselves. That distinction raises important questions about whether our current regulatory framework is adequate.

And the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s AI Risk Management Framework provides useful guidance on transparency, accountability, and the importance of meaningful human oversight.

I don’t think we have to choose between embracing new technology and protecting the things that make Wisconsin worth living in. But we do need to be thoughtful about how we move forward, and that means doing the work before we’ve committed ourselves to decisions we can’t easily undo.

Sources:

International Energy Agency, Energy and AI (2025): https://www.iea.org/reports/energy-and-ai

Wisconsin Public Service Commission, The Public Service Commission and Data Centers: https://psc.wi.gov/Pages/AboutPSC/The-Public-Service-Commission-and-Data-Centers-.aspx

National Institute of Standards and Technology, AI Risk Management Framework: https://www.nist.gov/itl/ai-risk-management-framework

KEYWORDS: Human oversight, responsible AI development, data center regulation, temporary moratorium, nonpartisan land use commission, preservation of heritage farmland, local control, environmental protection, water conservation, utility ratepayer protections, transparency, public accountability, stakeholder collaboration.

Q2 Making the US competitive in the bioeconomy (using technology applied to renewable biological resources to produce food, energy and industrial goods) requires innovation and investments in business, academia and government. Please describe policies you will support, if any, that relate to workforce development in Wisconsin’s strengths such as agriculture, biotechnology, and energy; and explain their rationale.

Jobs and Workforce

I think we need to recommit to the Wisconsin Idea, and that starts with properly funding our university system instead of continuing to bleed it of resources.

The whole premise of the Wisconsin Idea is that the work of our universities should benefit people throughout the state, not just those sitting in classrooms. That means research that helps farmers improve yields and protect soil and water, innovation that helps Wisconsin businesses develop new products, and educational opportunities that prepare people for jobs in growing industries.

And historically, having a strong university system has been one of Wisconsin’s greatest economic development tools. Employers want to locate where they can find an educated, skilled workforce, where research and innovation are happening, and where their employees and their families have access to good educational opportunities. When we underfund our universities, we’re not just making it harder for students to get an education. We’re undermining one of the things that has helped attract and retain businesses in Wisconsin for generations.

We already have tremendous resources through our universities, technical colleges, UW Extension, agricultural communities, and manufacturing workforce. I’d like to see us do a better job of connecting them.

That means restoring stable funding for the Universities of Wisconsin, supporting agricultural and biotechnology research, and expanding partnerships between universities, technical colleges, employers, and labor organizations. I’d also support more paid apprenticeships, internships, and opportunities for workers to gain new skills without taking on significant debt.

I particularly want to see us reinvest in UW Extension and applied research partnerships that help small and midsize farms access new technologies. That could mean finding new uses for agricultural byproducts, improving soil and water conservation, developing renewable energy technologies that work alongside existing agricultural operations, or helping farmers adopt innovations that might otherwise only be available to large corporations.

And I want to make sure we’re not just investing in research and hoping the economic benefits eventually trickle down. We should be helping Wisconsin businesses turn that research into products and good-paying jobs here, with opportunities for workers and communities across the state to benefit.

We have a long history of bringing education, agriculture, industry, and government together to solve practical problems. That’s what the Wisconsin Idea was built around, and I think it’s time we started treating it as a priority again.

KEYWORDS: Wisconsin Idea, university funding, higher education investment, workforce development, employer attraction and retention, economic development, UW Extension, agricultural innovation, biotechnology, applied research, technical colleges, apprenticeships, skilled workforce, public-private partnerships, small and midsize farms, renewable energy, agricultural sustainability, research commercialization, good-paying jobs.

Q3 Wisconsin’s public K-12 education systems have seen a significant decline in the past two decades, with more than 600 public schools closing and statewide student enrollment dropping 7%. These impacts have been especially pronounced in Wisconsin’s many rural counties, where opportunities for STEM education are already fewer. What policies, if any, would you support to improve K-12 education for students across Wisconsin?

K-12 Science Education

As a school board member, I’ve spent a lot of time looking at how Wisconsin funds public education, and I think we need to start by fixing the funding formula itself.

For starters, we need to tie school revenue limits back to inflation. Schools face the same rising costs as everyone else, but their ability to keep up with those costs is determined by decisions made in Madison. That makes long-term planning incredibly difficult, particularly for smaller rural districts that don’t have much flexibility to begin with.

We also need to fund special education as a sum-sufficient appropriation, meaning the state commits to covering the actual costs of providing legally required services rather than setting an arbitrary reimbursement amount. Right now, when the state doesn’t fully reimburse districts for special education, that money has to come out of the same budget that pays for everything else. That affects every student, not just those receiving special education services.

We need to pay teachers adequately, too. We can’t expect to recruit and retain talented educators, particularly in rural communities, if we’re not willing to compensate them competitively. I’d support restoring stronger state investment in educator compensation and expanding pathways into teaching, including paid student teaching and programs that help people enter the profession without taking on enormous debt.

I also think it’s time for a serious reevaluation of Wisconsin’s voucher program. We need to look at its long-term fiscal impact, transparency, accountability, and whether we’re creating parallel education systems that compete for limited public resources without being held to the same standards. If we’re spending public dollars, taxpayers deserve to know what outcomes those dollars are producing.

I’d also like us to consider funding full-day 4K at 1.0 FTE. We know how important early childhood education is, and full-day programming can make a tremendous difference for working families. But districts need adequate funding to provide it without shifting costs onto their K-12 programs.

For rural schools specifically, I’d support greater investment in shared services, broadband access, STEM programming, and partnerships with technical colleges and universities. A student’s ZIP code shouldn’t determine whether they have access to advanced coursework, career exploration, or hands-on science and technology education.

And we don’t have to start from scratch. Wisconsin’s Blue Ribbon Commission on School Funding spent considerable time gathering input from educators, administrators, and communities across the state. I’d like to see us revisit those recommendations and have a serious conversation about implementing them.

Ultimately, I think we need to stop treating public education funding as a series of temporary fixes and referendums. Our schools need a predictable, sustainable funding system that allows them to plan for the future, retain good educators, and give every child access to a quality education, regardless of where they live.

KEYWORDS: Public education funding, inflation-adjusted revenue limits, sum-sufficient special education funding, teacher pay, educator recruitment and retention, voucher program reform, fiscal accountability, full-day 4K funding at 1.0 FTE, rural school funding, declining enrollment, sparsity aid, STEM education, broadband access, technical college partnerships, Blue Ribbon Commission on School Funding, equitable education access, sustainable school funding, property tax relief.

Q5 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?

Trust in Science

I trust experts. I think one of the more troubling developments in recent years has been the idea that someone’s personal opinion should carry the same weight as the conclusions of people who have spent their careers studying a subject.

That doesn’t mean scientists are infallible or that we shouldn’t ask questions. In fact, questioning, testing, and revising our understanding as new information becomes available is the whole point of science.

If elected, I would regularly consult scientists and subject matter experts when evaluating legislation, particularly in areas like public health, environmental protection, agriculture, energy, and emerging technologies. I’d look to peer-reviewed research, our universities, professional organizations, and the people doing this work in Wisconsin.

I also think it’s important to bring scientists into the conversation early, while policies are being developed, rather than asking them to weigh in after decisions have effectively already been made.

Ultimately, I don’t expect to be the smartest person in every room, and I don’t think legislators should pretend to be. My responsibility is to ask good questions, listen to people who know more than I do, understand the evidence, and use that information to make thoughtful decisions.

KEYWORDS: Trust your neighborhood scientist, evidence-based policymaking, scientific expertise, peer-reviewed research, informed decision-making, respect for experts, scientific literacy, public trust in science, curiosity, intellectual humility, science-informed legislation.

Q7 Wisconsin has faced an increasing number of infectious disease outbreaks in recent years, for instance with rising numbers of measles and avian influenza cases that threaten human health and agricultural industry, respectively. What policies, if any, would you support to manage the burden of infectious disease in the state and respond to future outbreaks?

Public Health

My husband is an ICU physician, and I watched COVID nearly break him. I saw what happens when our healthcare system is overwhelmed, when medical professionals are pushed beyond their limits, and when public health becomes a political battleground instead of something we’re all working together to protect.

I think the first thing we need to do is adequately fund public health. So much of what public health departments do is preventative, which means that when they’re doing their jobs well, most people don’t even notice. Disease surveillance, vaccination programs, public education, and outbreak response all require trained professionals and consistent funding. We can’t keep expecting local health departments to do more with less and then scramble to find resources when a crisis arrives.

I’d also support policies that promote vaccination and improve access to primary care. One of the most important relationships a person can have when it comes to their health is with a trusted primary care provider. That’s where people can ask questions, address concerns about vaccines, and receive preventative care before problems become emergencies. We should be looking at ways to incentivize primary care practice, particularly in rural and underserved communities, and investing in the workforce needed to staff those practices.

I also think we need to take healthcare workforce retention seriously. We lost an enormous amount of institutional knowledge and experienced medical professionals during and after COVID. We need policies that address burnout, support healthcare workers, and make it financially sustainable to practice medicine and provide nursing care in Wisconsin.

For diseases like avian influenza, we also need strong coordination between public health officials, veterinarians, agricultural producers, and state agencies. Wisconsin’s agricultural economy depends on our ability to identify and respond to outbreaks quickly, and farmers need access to reliable information and resources without being treated as though they’re the problem.

Finally, I think we need to rebuild trust in public health. That means communicating clearly, being transparent about what we know and what we don’t, and allowing scientific evidence to guide our decisions. It also means recognizing that people are more likely to listen when they have relationships with healthcare professionals they trust.

Public health shouldn’t be something we only invest in during an emergency. It’s part of the infrastructure that keeps our communities functioning, and we need to start treating it that way.

KEYWORDS: Fund public health, prevention over crisis response, trust your neighborhood scientist, vaccination access and education, primary care investment, rural healthcare access, healthcare workforce recruitment and retention, physician and nurse burnout, infectious disease surveillance, outbreak preparedness, avian influenza, agricultural biosecurity, One Health approach, public health transparency, evidence-based policy, rebuilding public trust, supporting frontline healthcare workers.

Ed Delgado

Republican
State AssemblyDistrict 57
Submitted July 20, 2026

Q1 America has a growing artificial intelligence (AI) industry, supporting cutting edge innovation and reshaping businesses, but raising concerns about education, ownership, and security. Application of AI technology has increased the demand placed on data centers, controversial for their resource use (such as water and land) and raising utility costs. What are your policy positions in regards to data centers and AI? What sources of evidence informed these positions?

Artificial Intelligence

I support responsible growth of AI and the data centers that power it because they are essential to America’s economic competitiveness and national security. At the same time, data center projects should be transparent, respect local decision-making, and address impacts on water, energy, and infrastructure without unfairly shifting costs onto residents. My views are informed by research from industry, government, and academic sources, as well as discussions about AI’s impact on jobs, privacy, energy, and rural communities. AI should strengthen American innovation while protecting taxpayers and individual rights.

KEYWORDS: AI

Q2 Making the US competitive in the bioeconomy (using technology applied to renewable biological resources to produce food, energy and industrial goods) requires innovation and investments in business, academia and government. Please describe policies you will support, if any, that relate to workforce development in Wisconsin’s strengths such as agriculture, biotechnology, and energy; and explain their rationale.

Jobs and Workforce

I support workforce development that prepares Wisconsinites for careers in agriculture, biotechnology, manufacturing, energy, and other high-demand industries. Strong partnerships between employers, technical colleges, and universities can help fill workforce shortages while keeping Wisconsin competitive. My priority is investing in education and training that leads to real jobs, supports innovation, and strengthens our rural and local economies.

KEYWORDS: JOBS AND WORKFORCE

Q3 Wisconsin’s public K-12 education systems have seen a significant decline in the past two decades, with more than 600 public schools closing and statewide student enrollment dropping 7%. These impacts have been especially pronounced in Wisconsin’s many rural counties, where opportunities for STEM education are already fewer. What policies, if any, would you support to improve K-12 education for students across Wisconsin?

K-12 Science Education

I support strengthening K-12 education by focusing on core academics, empowering parents, supporting teachers, and giving local school districts the flexibility to meet their communities’ needs. I also support expanding career and technical education and STEM opportunities so students are prepared for college, the skilled trades, military service, or the workforce.

KEYWORDS: EDUCATION

Q5 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?

Trust in Science

I believe scientific expertise should inform public policy, especially on technical and emerging issues. At the same time, elected officials must also consider the Constitution, economic impacts, public input, and individual rights. My decisions will be informed by credible scientific evidence while balancing the broader responsibilities of representative government.

KEYWORDS: TRUST IN SCIENCE

Q7 Wisconsin has faced an increasing number of infectious disease outbreaks in recent years, for instance with rising numbers of measles and avian influenza cases that threaten human health and agricultural industry, respectively. What policies, if any, would you support to manage the burden of infectious disease in the state and respond to future outbreaks?

Public Health

I support strong disease surveillance, public health preparedness, and protecting Wisconsin’s agriculture from outbreaks that threaten people and livestock. Government should provide timely, accurate information and coordinate with health professionals and producers while respecting individual rights and avoiding unnecessary mandates. Our response should be guided by science, transparency, and proportional measures.

KEYWORDS: PUBLIC HEALTH

John Fons

Republican
State AssemblyDistrict 79
Submitted September 22, 2026

Q1 America has a growing artificial intelligence (AI) industry, supporting cutting edge innovation and reshaping businesses, but raising concerns about education, ownership, and security. Application of AI technology has increased the demand placed on data centers, controversial for their resource use (such as water and land) and raising utility costs. What are your policy positions in regards to data centers and AI? What sources of evidence informed these positions?

Artificial Intelligence

The greatest detriment to development and construction of Data Centers is the imposition of Non-Disclosure Agreements on officials by corporate representatives to proceed with negotiations. This sours the entire atmosphere once details become known by the general public and has resulted in much of the discord currently affecting Data Center projects. Let the people know and let the people vote before money is invested or damage real or imagined is inflicted. In a room where everyone objects to Data Centers yet everyone holds a smart phone, the issue is not technology but rather failure of communication in public relations.

KEYWORDS: Vote Communication Nondisclosure

Q2 Making the US competitive in the bioeconomy (using technology applied to renewable biological resources to produce food, energy and industrial goods) requires innovation and investments in business, academia and government. Please describe policies you will support, if any, that relate to workforce development in Wisconsin’s strengths such as agriculture, biotechnology, and energy; and explain their rationale.

Jobs and Workforce

Inventors and investors are visionary people. They see something that does not yet exist. It is vital that nothing obstruct their vision if they are to be enthusiastic about pursuing their vision in any given locale. Regulations, restrictions, prejudice and resentment all make it difficult or impossible to improvise and pursue the holy grail of progress. The rewards of innovation and theory brought to life are jobs, prosperity and arrival of more people who have heard that Wisconsin is a great place to make things happen. This is the unobstructed ideal. Yet it must be tempered inevitably by a state government who watches over the process and will not allow any unscrupulous influence to spoil the lives and opportunity of others.

KEYWORDS: Inventors Innovation Rewards

Q3 Wisconsin’s public K-12 education systems have seen a significant decline in the past two decades, with more than 600 public schools closing and statewide student enrollment dropping 7%. These impacts have been especially pronounced in Wisconsin’s many rural counties, where opportunities for STEM education are already fewer. What policies, if any, would you support to improve K-12 education for students across Wisconsin?

K-12 Science Education

I have seen firsthand the dedication and selfless devotion of students from other countries. A Chinese girl who experienced sixteen hour a day class studies without extra-curricular activities. A German boy who carried two full course loads, one here in Wisconsin and the second simultaneously on line with his school in Germany. Meanwhile I listen as the Madison Metropolitan School Board debates endlessly whether or not to allow students use of cell phones in class and which pronouns to apply to students who can barely read or write. We tend to spend fortunes on facilities in which students fall further and further behind in a competitive world. Outside the family, there is no more important relationship for youth than their teachers and academic environment. Fund teachers, fund the means of teaching and emphasize real learning and not feelings. Do not place apathic or undisciplined students and desultory teachers in a fancy new building and call it success in education.

KEYWORDS: Fund Discipline Success

Q5 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?

Trust in Science

I offer a parallel: I am currently undergoing tests to determine the cause of a medical condition. I go to doctors and their staff. I submit to their tests and I expect to receive their diagnosis. In doing so I will accept or reject their course of treatment. I would expect to do the same in any question where specific information, data and comparative analysis are vital to making a correct and informed decision.

KEYWORDS: Information Analysis Decision

Q7 Wisconsin has faced an increasing number of infectious disease outbreaks in recent years, for instance with rising numbers of measles and avian influenza cases that threaten human health and agricultural industry, respectively. What policies, if any, would you support to manage the burden of infectious disease in the state and respond to future outbreaks?

Public Health

Unfortunately, rumor propagated and disseminated through social media and other outlets muddies and distorts real questions or issues related to public health. Add to this the filter of political influence and the public becomes reluctant or resistant to solid, beneficial medical or scientific information and advice. Trust is therefore essential and trust is based on information freely and reliably provided by a government known for its commitment to public health and safety. The state is in an excellent position to provide that information. It relates to the ‘big picture’ and also speaks well to the local concerns.

KEYWORDS: Information Trust Reliable

Shirley Hinze

Democratic
State AssemblyDistrict 6
Submitted September 14, 2026

Q1 America has a growing artificial intelligence (AI) industry, supporting cutting edge innovation and reshaping businesses, but raising concerns about education, ownership, and security. Application of AI technology has increased the demand placed on data centers, controversial for their resource use (such as water and land) and raising utility costs. What are your policy positions in regards to data centers and AI? What sources of evidence informed these positions?

Artificial Intelligence

This is a difficult question to answer because the public who doesn’t want data centers rely on the tech they provide. Given that, these centers need to be regulated, no behind closed doors negotiations, NDAs with corporations who are buying land to build them. I’m committed to putting laws into place stop the secrecy, protect the environment they’ll be located in and the folks who’ll undoubtedly live near them.

KEYWORDS: Data Centers, environment, regulations

Q2 Making the US competitive in the bioeconomy (using technology applied to renewable biological resources to produce food, energy and industrial goods) requires innovation and investments in business, academia and government. Please describe policies you will support, if any, that relate to workforce development in Wisconsin’s strengths such as agriculture, biotechnology, and energy; and explain their rationale.

Jobs and Workforce

Let’s get funds back into our universities and trade schools that have lost them. And I believe there should be monies available to students going into these areas because education is expensive. We are already seeing areas that are suffering because there is no trained labor to fill positions, like science teachers. And as the climate heats up where will our resources be, to sustain society. We need people doing the science NOW. And that will take money and educating the public

KEYWORDS: Funding

Q3 Wisconsin’s public K-12 education systems have seen a significant decline in the past two decades, with more than 600 public schools closing and statewide student enrollment dropping 7%. These impacts have been especially pronounced in Wisconsin’s many rural counties, where opportunities for STEM education are already fewer. What policies, if any, would you support to improve K-12 education for students across Wisconsin?

K-12 Science Education

I believe in public education and not a voucher program in a school that doesn’t have to comply with state standards. I live in a rural area, there’s few voucher schools available if a local public school should be close. Funding is a huge issue for districts they’re unable to pay teachers a living wage. Ending the voucher program will put monies back where they belong into our public schools

KEYWORDS: End vouchers.

Q5 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?

Trust in Science

Foremost any area that would impact public health. And I want agencies that do that back in operation. We are seeing the results of defunding in what’s happening with our food supply. And if we don’t do more to get people educated to fill those positions, I’m already worried what the future will hold

KEYWORDS: Public health, Food supply

Q7 Wisconsin has faced an increasing number of infectious disease outbreaks in recent years, for instance with rising numbers of measles and avian influenza cases that threaten human health and agricultural industry, respectively. What policies, if any, would you support to manage the burden of infectious disease in the state and respond to future outbreaks?

Public Health

I have extremely strong opinions on this subject. And I’m not afraid to speak up. We live in a free country. If people/parents don’t want to immunize they have the right to do so. However if that decision results in long term care or hospitalization that burden should fall on them. Not on our already overburdened healthcare system or workers. I advocate decisions have consequences so choose wisely. Right now health ins premiums are skyrocketing on many because of decisions made by few. And we must pay more attention to climate change, it alone will sicken millions

KEYWORDS: Health ins, Free immunization programs Climate change

Alex Joers

Democratic
State AssemblyDistrict 81
Submitted September 29, 2026

Q1 America has a growing artificial intelligence (AI) industry, supporting cutting edge innovation and reshaping businesses, but raising concerns about education, ownership, and security. Application of AI technology has increased the demand placed on data centers, controversial for their resource use (such as water and land) and raising utility costs. What are your policy positions in regards to data centers and AI? What sources of evidence informed these positions?

Artificial Intelligence

Data centers should have clear prohibitions to protect the environment, public health, property values, and household budgets. We should require strong, enforceable standards that protect clean water, including safeguards against water pollution for data centers that already exist. Projects should also undergo robust, transparent siting and local input processes so communities have a real voice in decisions. We must ensure full accountability for pollution and require developers to bear the costs of infrastructure strain instead of local taxpayers. We should continue investing in conservation, renewable energy, and land protection to reduce flooding risks and preserve nature. Responsible development means balancing economic growth with stewardship of our environment. In addition, I would work to repeal the $2 billion tax exemptions that Republicans added to the prior budget. There are a lot of politicians that talk about standing up to Big Tech, but I’ve actually done it by working to regulate AI and social media companies.

KEYWORDS: Accountability, Prohibitions, Security

Q2 Making the US competitive in the bioeconomy (using technology applied to renewable biological resources to produce food, energy and industrial goods) requires innovation and investments in business, academia and government. Please describe policies you will support, if any, that relate to workforce development in Wisconsin’s strengths such as agriculture, biotechnology, and energy; and explain their rationale.

Jobs and Workforce

As a member of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors, this is a topic I hear about frequently. We must invest in the bioeconomy while also lifting up our universities that are training the next generation of workers to access these fields. For far too long, public universities in our state have been slashed when it comes to their budgets and now they are trying to do more with less while other states surge ahead. We cannot let the brain drain continue in our state because of misplaced priorities and politicians who undercut the groundbreaking work higher education brings for our future.

KEYWORDS: Higher Education, Universities

Q3 Wisconsin’s public K-12 education systems have seen a significant decline in the past two decades, with more than 600 public schools closing and statewide student enrollment dropping 7%. These impacts have been especially pronounced in Wisconsin’s many rural counties, where opportunities for STEM education are already fewer. What policies, if any, would you support to improve K-12 education for students across Wisconsin?

K-12 Science Education

Ensuring our schools have the resources to improve student outcomes starts with fixing Wisconsin’s broken school funding formula and investing in kids from cradle to career. We should fully fund public education instead of shifting costs onto local property taxpayers. School funding should be tied to inflation so districts can keep pace with rising costs and properly support students and staff year over year. For public schools, we must provide a sustainable funding increase and make special education reimbursement sum sufficient so districts are fully supported in meeting students’ needs. Students with disabilities deserve strong, consistent support, and schools should not be forced to shoulder these costs without adequate state investment.

KEYWORDS: Investment, Responsibility

Q5 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?

Trust in Science

All the time. I believe the more voices we have the opportunities to listen to the better. We must bring science back to Wisconsin. For years, Republican politics have been working to discourage scientific research and investment in state agencies. We must reverse this trend and welcome scientists into the people’s house.

KEYWORDS: Listen, Engage

Q7 Wisconsin has faced an increasing number of infectious disease outbreaks in recent years, for instance with rising numbers of measles and avian influenza cases that threaten human health and agricultural industry, respectively. What policies, if any, would you support to manage the burden of infectious disease in the state and respond to future outbreaks?

Public Health

For starters, we have to stop degrading our public health agencies and resources. Politicians must stop with the conspiracy theories that are fueling outrage to start to learn the facts before speaking. Wisconsin needs to adequately invest in public health infrastructure and ensure we are preparing for future emergencies before they arise.

KEYWORDS: Preparation, Facts

Ismael Luna

Democratic
State AssemblyDistrict 8
Submitted September 7, 2026

Q1 America has a growing artificial intelligence (AI) industry, supporting cutting edge innovation and reshaping businesses, but raising concerns about education, ownership, and security. Application of AI technology has increased the demand placed on data centers, controversial for their resource use (such as water and land) and raising utility costs. What are your policy positions in regards to data centers and AI? What sources of evidence informed these positions?

Artificial Intelligence

I support strong data privacy protections so people’s personal information, especially sensitive health and financial data, isn’t harvested and exploited by AI systems without consent. I support policies that protect workers from being displaced without a real transition plan, including retraining and support for workers whose jobs are automated. I believe AI’s benefits should be broadly shared, not concentrated in a handful of companies, which means supporting strong antitrust enforcement and transparency requirements around how AI systems are trained and deployed. I’m also concerned about the infrastructure AI depends on. I support a strong regulatory framework for the data centers powering this technology, so ratepayers aren’t stuck subsidizing costs while communities bear the environmental burden.

KEYWORDS: worker protection, data privacy, equitable access

Q2 Making the US competitive in the bioeconomy (using technology applied to renewable biological resources to produce food, energy and industrial goods) requires innovation and investments in business, academia and government. Please describe policies you will support, if any, that relate to workforce development in Wisconsin’s strengths such as agriculture, biotechnology, and energy; and explain their rationale.

Jobs and Workforce

I started working at 14 and know firsthand that not every path to a good career runs through a four-year degree. Wisconsin’s technical colleges are an underused asset for training workers in precision agriculture, biomanufacturing, and clean energy fields, and I want the state to invest directly in that pipeline. I support expanding registered apprenticeship programs and strengthening partnerships between technical colleges, universities, and employers in these industries. I also support strong labor standards, including prevailing wage and project labor agreements, tied to any public investment in the bioeconomy, so growth in these fields means good, family-supporting jobs for Wisconsin workers, not just returns for investors. Innovation should translate into real opportunity for working families.

KEYWORDS: apprenticeships, technical education, workforce investment

Q3 Wisconsin’s public K-12 education systems have seen a significant decline in the past two decades, with more than 600 public schools closing and statewide student enrollment dropping 7%. These impacts have been especially pronounced in Wisconsin’s many rural counties, where opportunities for STEM education are already fewer. What policies, if any, would you support to improve K-12 education for students across Wisconsin?

K-12 Science Education

I am a proud graduate of Milwaukee Public Schools, and I’ve seen firsthand what happens when schools are starved of resources. I will fight to fully fund Wisconsin’s public schools ending the reliance on local referendums. I support reimbursing special education costs at 90%, funding early literacy programs, and raising teacher pay so districts can recruit and retain educators. I also support expanding broadband access and distance-learning partnerships so rural students have real access to STEM coursework. Every student in Wisconsin deserves a fully resourced education regardless of zip code.

KEYWORDS: school funding, rural equity, STEM access

Q5 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?

Trust in Science

I hold a master’s degree in public policy, and my education taught me to follow evidence, not assumptions or political pressure. As a legislator, I would rely on career scientists and technical staff at agencies like the DNR and the Department of Health Services, researchers across the UW System, and nonpartisan legislative service agencies before taking positions on scientific or technical questions. I believe in following scientific consensus on issues like climate, public health, and environmental regulation, and I believe legislators owe the public honesty about when their positions align with or diverge from expert findings. I’ve built my whole approach to policy around listening to the people and the evidence closest to a problem, and science is no exception.

KEYWORDS: evidence-based policy, expert consultation, scientific consensus

Q7 Wisconsin has faced an increasing number of infectious disease outbreaks in recent years, for instance with rising numbers of measles and avian influenza cases that threaten human health and agricultural industry, respectively. What policies, if any, would you support to manage the burden of infectious disease in the state and respond to future outbreaks?

Public Health

I support evidence-based vaccine policy and will oppose any legislation that makes it harder for Wisconsinites to access vaccines or undermines evidence-based recommendations. I support increased funding for local and state public health departments so they have the staffing and surveillance capacity to catch outbreaks like measles early. I also support investment in multilingual, culturally competent public health outreach, since in immigrant and working-class communities like mine, trust is often the bigger barrier to vaccination, not availability.

KEYWORDS: public health funding, vaccine access, culturally competent

Keith Mogel

Democratic
State AssemblyDistrict 75
Submitted September 11, 2026

Q1 America has a growing artificial intelligence (AI) industry, supporting cutting edge innovation and reshaping businesses, but raising concerns about education, ownership, and security. Application of AI technology has increased the demand placed on data centers, controversial for their resource use (such as water and land) and raising utility costs. What are your policy positions in regards to data centers and AI? What sources of evidence informed these positions?

Artificial Intelligence

Moratorium at state level until we address several issues at the state and local levels:

  1. We need to understand the impact these centers have on water, electricity use, traffic impact on the rural roads, waste generation, and noise pollution. Some of these centers are creating 75 dBA of noise impacting the communities around these facilities. OSHA highly recommends hearing protection starting at 85dBA and requires mandatory hearing protection at 90 dBA. Research has shown that wildlife and livestock are adversely affected by those noise disruptions generated by the centers and leave the area creating wildlife dead zones. This can affect dairy herd milk output, livestock rearing operations, and poultry production. These facilities have the potential of ruining the key reasons why we live in Northwest Wisconsin. Until we can get solid answers and establish detailed guidelines and rules, AI Center construction needs to be placed on hold.
  2. AI is going to have a profound impact on the number of jobs in Wisconsin. The state needs to be prepared to handle the influx of workers that are going to be replaced by AI. This includes re-evaluation of the state UC requirements, establishing state level training programs, enhancing small business development and loans and possible relocation of families to new economic development centers.

KEYWORDS: Moratorium, research, evaluation based on data and the local area to support the facility without detriment to the community.

Q2 Making the US competitive in the bioeconomy (using technology applied to renewable biological resources to produce food, energy and industrial goods) requires innovation and investments in business, academia and government. Please describe policies you will support, if any, that relate to workforce development in Wisconsin’s strengths such as agriculture, biotechnology, and energy; and explain their rationale.

Jobs and Workforce

I would like to see an enhancement of the Technical Training at both High School post high school graduate level. These two school platforms need the newest equipment to train the students to enter the fields of research and operation of the machinery. I would also like to see business grants for small businesses to purchase the newer capital equipment capitalizing on CNC, AI enhancements and laboratory research for adding to the launch of new cutting-edge agricultural enterprises. The business I work for currently hires high school inters directly from their high school technical classes - wood working, welding, and machining.

KEYWORDS: Training, capital equipment, small business programs

Q3 Wisconsin’s public K-12 education systems have seen a significant decline in the past two decades, with more than 600 public schools closing and statewide student enrollment dropping 7%. These impacts have been especially pronounced in Wisconsin’s many rural counties, where opportunities for STEM education are already fewer. What policies, if any, would you support to improve K-12 education for students across Wisconsin?

K-12 Science Education

Overhaul the current school funding program that was written in 1993. It was supposed to last 5 years. The new school funding would need to include operational formulas considering that school districts have annual fixed costs whether the school building has 250 students or 1500 students. The school districts must pay for heat, electricity, and buses. We need to fully fund all state mandated school requirements to include Special Education and Mantal health requirements. If the state mandates a requirement – the state needs to fully fund the mandate. We also need to move the Voucher school program funding out of school funding and into the general fund. This would alleviate an additional burden on the local public-school districts. All these actions would help reduce the School Referendum requirements that are currently being passed just to operate year by establishing property-tax relief at the local level.

KEYWORDS: New Funding formula, Voucher School funding stopped, Lakeland Union School District system evaluation for use statewide.

Q5 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?

Trust in Science

Every decision must be based on factual approved science. This is not an option. I am a statistics person. I believe in solid, complete research. I would call on the experts to help me with the writing and decision-making process.

KEYWORDS: scientific based decision making

Q7 Wisconsin has faced an increasing number of infectious disease outbreaks in recent years, for instance with rising numbers of measles and avian influenza cases that threaten human health and agricultural industry, respectively. What policies, if any, would you support to manage the burden of infectious disease in the state and respond to future outbreaks?

Public Health
  1. Limit the number of exceptions for vaccines for school children. I was one of children who went thru all the childhood diseases in the early 1960’s. I would not wish it on any child to go thru what I did when I was 8 years old. I had them all in one summer.
  2. Establish a strong counter education program on the good of vaccines to counter the Internet junk and false research reports floating around.
  3. Enhanced the county level public Health Nurses that are constantly getting resources and slots cut thru funding reductions. Allow them to conduct vaccine clinics at no or very reduced costs.

KEYWORDS: Education, reduce waivers for exceptions to vacinnes.

John Perryman

Democratic
State AssemblyDistrict 31
Submitted July 29, 2026

Q1 America has a growing artificial intelligence (AI) industry, supporting cutting edge innovation and reshaping businesses, but raising concerns about education, ownership, and security. Application of AI technology has increased the demand placed on data centers, controversial for their resource use (such as water and land) and raising utility costs. What are your policy positions in regards to data centers and AI? What sources of evidence informed these positions?

Artificial Intelligence

Regarding data centers, given that AI is almost certainly going to continue expanding, they will be built somewhere. Currently in Wisconsin there is no statewide regulation or guidance regarding these facilities. The only action taken was to extend a sales tax credit, which has cost the state about $2 billion. I would support a moratorium on new construction until we have better guidance for communities. This guidance would include forbidding the use of NDA’s, requiring the builder to cover all infrastructure costs, and have rigorous environmental impact studies related to land use, electricity and water consumption. Other local impacts such as noise and light pollution would have to be factored in as well. This is not an exhaustive list, but a starting point. The final decision belongs to the community. Regarding AI itself, I have deep concerns based on reporting in multiple sources of entities hallucinating, performing in unexpected ways, and most recently escaping a contained environment and hacking into a different (and sophisticated) AI company. If we don’t start building rigorous guardrails controlling AI behavior, I fear we will face a potential calamity.

KEYWORDS: Safety. Accountability. Full disclosure.

Q2 Making the US competitive in the bioeconomy (using technology applied to renewable biological resources to produce food, energy and industrial goods) requires innovation and investments in business, academia and government. Please describe policies you will support, if any, that relate to workforce development in Wisconsin’s strengths such as agriculture, biotechnology, and energy; and explain their rationale.

Jobs and Workforce

First, we need to make Wisconsin a more attractive place to live so we can recruit talent. While we have much to offer, we need to find ways to help workers and families with high costs. From a state government standpoint, the areas that would have the most impact would be cutting childcare and health care costs and improving access to both. Restoring grants to childcare providers, improving tax incentives for businesses to provide on-site childcare, and providing improved rural health care access at lower costs would be priorities. Cutting health care costs would also help to relieve some financial strain these companies face. Expanding the pool of people going into these fields can be accomplished by earlier exposure (high school) to businesses in these fields, scholarship opportunities and/or tuition breaks for related course programs.

KEYWORDS: healthcare, childcare, education

Q3 Wisconsin’s public K-12 education systems have seen a significant decline in the past two decades, with more than 600 public schools closing and statewide student enrollment dropping 7%. These impacts have been especially pronounced in Wisconsin’s many rural counties, where opportunities for STEM education are already fewer. What policies, if any, would you support to improve K-12 education for students across Wisconsin?

K-12 Science Education

The school funding formula needs to be completely revamped. Funding tied to enrollment in a state with open enrollment leads to decreased revenues for a district without a decrease in costs when students leave. The lack of inflation adjustment in the formula has led to a roughly $3,500 deficit per student in funding. I would de-link funding from enrollment, allow inflation adjustment, increase funding for special education, pay our teachers more by permitting collective bargaining, and stop sending taxpayer dollars to private charter and religious schools. These steps will provide greater resources for STEM education.

KEYWORDS: Funding, voucher restriction, teacher comp

Q5 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?

Trust in Science

A great deal. I am a pediatrician and realize the value of peer reviewed high-quality information. I am a firm believer in reaching out to those on the front lines of a field to get the benefit of their experience and expertise. I recognize the danger of unsubstantiated claims and drawing conclusions from poorly designed studies. My background and approach has led to endorsement by 314Action, an organization that supports scientists in political races.

KEYWORDS: Expertise, sound scientific practices

Q7 Wisconsin has faced an increasing number of infectious disease outbreaks in recent years, for instance with rising numbers of measles and avian influenza cases that threaten human health and agricultural industry, respectively. What policies, if any, would you support to manage the burden of infectious disease in the state and respond to future outbreaks?

Public Health

Follow the science. Eliminate vaccine exemptions for highly communicable diseases in public schools. Change how we communicate about vaccines, highlighting that immunization does not only protect the individual, but families and communities. Respond forcefully to false claims and information.

KEYWORDS: Evidence based, public outreach

Shandowlyon Reaves

Republican
State AssemblyDistrict 11
Submitted September 8, 2026

Q1 America has a growing artificial intelligence (AI) industry, supporting cutting edge innovation and reshaping businesses, but raising concerns about education, ownership, and security. Application of AI technology has increased the demand placed on data centers, controversial for their resource use (such as water and land) and raising utility costs. What are your policy positions in regards to data centers and AI? What sources of evidence informed these positions?

Artificial Intelligence

I support innovation in artificial intelligence and recognize its potential to improve education, health care, business, government efficiency, and economic development. However, innovation should not come at an unreasonable cost to Wisconsin families and communities.

Large data centers should pay the costs associated with the electricity, water, transmission, and other infrastructure necessary to serve them rather than shifting those costs to residential and small-business ratepayers. Communities also deserve transparency regarding projected water and energy use, infrastructure needs, tax incentives, environmental impacts, permanent jobs created, and long-term economic benefits.

My position is informed by the Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC), the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), and national energy research. DOE reports that data centers consumed approximately 4.4% of U.S. electricity in 2023 and projects they could consume approximately 6.7% to 12% by 2028. The Wisconsin PSC has also recognized that some proposed data centers could become among the state’s largest energy users and has addressed protections against shifting their costs to existing utility customers.

Wisconsin can welcome AI innovation while requiring accountability, transparency, consumer protection, and measurable community benefit.

KEYWORDS: Accountability Affordability Innovation

Q2 Making the US competitive in the bioeconomy (using technology applied to renewable biological resources to produce food, energy and industrial goods) requires innovation and investments in business, academia and government. Please describe policies you will support, if any, that relate to workforce development in Wisconsin’s strengths such as agriculture, biotechnology, and energy; and explain their rationale.

Jobs and Workforce

Wisconsin should invest in workforce development where there is demonstrated employer demand and a clear path to good-paying jobs. I support expanding youth and registered apprenticeships, dual-enrollment, industry-recognized credentials, and employer-led training in agriculture, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, and energy.

I would prioritize existing programs that can document job placement, wage growth, and employer participation rather than create new programs simply because a field is considered “emerging.” Wisconsin already has a strong foundation. More than 43,900 Wisconsin students took an agriculture course in 2024–25, and the state had 1,302 youth apprenticeships in Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources. Wisconsin’s federally designated Biohealth Tech Hub also received approximately $49 million, in part to create talent pipelines matched to employer needs.

These investments should connect high schools, technical colleges, universities, and employers so students and workers can move directly from training into available jobs.

My rationale is simple: workforce policy should respond to real labor-market demand and produce measurable results for workers and taxpayers.

KEYWORDS: Apprenticeships Workforce Accountability

Q3 Wisconsin’s public K-12 education systems have seen a significant decline in the past two decades, with more than 600 public schools closing and statewide student enrollment dropping 7%. These impacts have been especially pronounced in Wisconsin’s many rural counties, where opportunities for STEM education are already fewer. What policies, if any, would you support to improve K-12 education for students across Wisconsin?

K-12 Science Education

After more than 30 years in education—as a special education teacher, principal, district administrator, and state education leader—I have seen schools struggle with declining enrollment, teacher shortages, inadequate resources, and limited access to specialized courses. These challenges affect urban, rural, and other Wisconsin communities, although their causes and severity may differ.

My experience informed my proposed Bill of Rights for Students, establishing what every Wisconsin student should be able to expect from their educational experience: qualified teachers, rigorous instruction, appropriate special education services, safe and adequately resourced schools, access to STEM and career education, and preparation for college, employment, or other postsecondary opportunities.

I support strengthening teacher recruitment and retention, expanding dual enrollment and career pathways, improving access to specialized coursework, and directing resources toward demonstrated student needs while requiring transparency and measurable outcomes.

These positions are informed by my three decades of professional experience and Wisconsin DPI and district data documenting declining enrollment, staffing challenges, and differences in educational access.

Where students live should influence how we meet their needs—not whether those needs are met.

KEYWORDS: Student Rights Resources Accountability

Q5 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?

Trust in Science

As someone who earned a doctorate and conducted both quantitative and qualitative research for my three-part dissertation, I understand the importance of examining evidence, methodology, limitations, and context before drawing conclusions.

If elected, I would consult scientists and other subject-matter experts to establish a sound factual foundation for policy decisions. Depending on the issue, I would review peer-reviewed research, hear testimony from researchers and technical experts, consult Wisconsin universities and state agencies, and examine credible governmental and independent data.

I would ask not only what the research says, but how the research was conducted, whether findings have been replicated, what limitations exist, where experts agree or disagree, and what questions remain unanswered.

Scientific evidence should inform policy; it should not substitute for legislative judgment. My responsibility as a legislator would also require consideration of constitutional and legal requirements, fiscal impact, feasibility, unintended consequences, and the experiences of constituents affected by a policy.

My research background taught me that responsible decision-making requires asking good questions, examining multiple forms of evidence, and being willing to reconsider conclusions when credible new evidence warrants it.

KEYWORDS: Evidence Research Accountability

Q7 Wisconsin has faced an increasing number of infectious disease outbreaks in recent years, for instance with rising numbers of measles and avian influenza cases that threaten human health and agricultural industry, respectively. What policies, if any, would you support to manage the burden of infectious disease in the state and respond to future outbreaks?

Public Health

Wisconsin must be prepared to identify infectious disease early and respond before an outbreak becomes a public health crisis. I support strong disease surveillance, laboratory and testing capacity, timely communication among state and local health departments and health-care providers, and ensuring that residents receive accurate information about prevention, testing, treatment, and available vaccines.

I believe public health policy should be informed by the best available scientific evidence while respecting individual decision-making. Government has an obligation to communicate honestly about risks, benefits, uncertainties, and available options. Individuals should have reliable information necessary to make informed decisions about their health.

Responses should also be proportionate to the specific disease and demonstrated risk rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach. My position is informed by Wisconsin DHS and CDC infectious-disease surveillance and outbreak guidance, including Wisconsin’s recent measles experience.

I also bring a research perspective to evaluating public-health evidence. My doctoral work included quantitative and qualitative research, which reinforced for me the importance of examining methodology, data, limitations, and competing evidence before reaching conclusions.

Effective public health requires preparedness, credible science, public trust, transparency, and respect for informed individual decision-making.

KEYWORDS: Preparedness Evidence Informed Choice

Steve Wicklund

Republican
State AssemblyDistrict 33
Submitted July 27, 2026

Q1 America has a growing artificial intelligence (AI) industry, supporting cutting edge innovation and reshaping businesses, but raising concerns about education, ownership, and security. Application of AI technology has increased the demand placed on data centers, controversial for their resource use (such as water and land) and raising utility costs. What are your policy positions in regards to data centers and AI? What sources of evidence informed these positions?

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence is already improving manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, and small business, and Wisconsin should position itself to benefit from that innovation. Government’s role is to encourage responsible growth while protecting taxpayers and local communities.

I support data centers when they are located responsibly, use existing infrastructure whenever possible, pay the full cost of the utilities they require, and create measurable economic benefits. I do not support forcing projects into communities over local objections or allowing utility costs to be shifted onto Wisconsin families and businesses. Productive farmland, water resources, and grid reliability must all be considered before approval.

State policy should encourage AI research, workforce training, and cybersecurity while protecting personal privacy and critical infrastructure. Wisconsin’s technical colleges and universities should play a leading role in preparing workers for AI-related careers.

My views are informed by discussions with local governments, utility providers, economic development professionals, manufacturers, and the practical experience of balancing growth with responsible planning as a Village President.

KEYWORDS: Innovation, Local Control, Responsible Growth

Q2 Making the US competitive in the bioeconomy (using technology applied to renewable biological resources to produce food, energy and industrial goods) requires innovation and investments in business, academia and government. Please describe policies you will support, if any, that relate to workforce development in Wisconsin’s strengths such as agriculture, biotechnology, and energy; and explain their rationale.

Jobs and Workforce

Wisconsin’s greatest strength is its skilled workforce. As a business owner who employs electricians and apprentices, I understand firsthand that our biggest challenge isn’t finding work—it’s finding qualified people.

I support expanding apprenticeship programs, strengthening technical colleges, and creating stronger partnerships between employers, schools, and workforce development organizations. Careers in manufacturing, agriculture, biotechnology, construction, and energy should be promoted alongside four-year college pathways.

Government should reduce unnecessary regulations that make it harder for businesses to hire and grow while encouraging investment in infrastructure, broadband, and reliable energy that supports private-sector job creation. I also support policies that keep taxes competitive so Wisconsin businesses can expand rather than relocate.

The goal should be simple: prepare Wisconsin workers for high-paying careers, help employers fill critical positions, and keep our state’s economy competitive without growing government.

KEYWORDS: Apprenticeships, Skilled Workforce, Economic Growth

Q3 Wisconsin’s public K-12 education systems have seen a significant decline in the past two decades, with more than 600 public schools closing and statewide student enrollment dropping 7%. These impacts have been especially pronounced in Wisconsin’s many rural counties, where opportunities for STEM education are already fewer. What policies, if any, would you support to improve K-12 education for students across Wisconsin?

K-12 Science Education

Every child deserves access to a high-quality education regardless of where they live. Wisconsin should fully honor its commitment to fund education while addressing the special education funding gap that places increasing pressure on local property taxpayers.

I support giving parents meaningful educational choices while ensuring public schools have the resources to succeed. We should expand career and technical education, apprenticeships, STEM programs, and partnerships with local employers so students graduate prepared for college, skilled trades, military service, or the workforce.

Rural schools face unique challenges from declining enrollment, so state policies should provide flexibility rather than one-size-fits-all mandates. Decisions are best made by local school boards, parents, and educators who understand their communities.

As a business owner, I know employers need graduates with strong academic skills, practical experience, and a solid work ethic. Education should focus on preparing students for success in life while maintaining high academic standards.

KEYWORDS: School Choice, Workforce Development, Local Control

Q5 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?

Trust in Science

I believe science is an essential tool for making good public policy, but it should never be treated as unquestionable. History reminds us that scientific understanding evolves. During my lifetime, I’ve heard predictions of global cooling, imminent resource depletion, and other forecasts that never materialized as expected. More recently, the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that even experts can disagree and that recommendations can change as new evidence emerges.

That’s why I believe lawmakers should rely on transparent data, peer-reviewed research, open debate, and experts who are willing to challenge one another—not simply accept the prevailing narrative. Good policy weighs scientific evidence alongside economic impacts, constitutional rights, practical experience, and the needs of Wisconsin families.

Science is strongest when it welcomes questions, tests assumptions, and adjusts to new evidence. That’s the approach I’ll bring to the Legislature.

KEYWORDS: Scientific Integrity, Transparency, Critical Thinking

Q7 Wisconsin has faced an increasing number of infectious disease outbreaks in recent years, for instance with rising numbers of measles and avian influenza cases that threaten human health and agricultural industry, respectively. What policies, if any, would you support to manage the burden of infectious disease in the state and respond to future outbreaks?

Public Health

Protecting public health is a core responsibility of government, but public trust is just as important. Wisconsin should invest in disease surveillance, laboratory capacity, emergency preparedness, and strong coordination between local health departments, healthcare providers, veterinarians, and agricultural producers so outbreaks can be identified and addressed quickly.

Public health decisions should be based on the best available evidence while recognizing that scientific understanding evolves. Officials should communicate honestly about what is known, what remains uncertain, and adjust recommendations as new information becomes available. Transparency builds trust.

I support targeted, evidence-based responses that protect vulnerable populations while respecting constitutional rights and individual freedoms whenever possible. Our goal should be to safeguard both public health and Wisconsin’s economy through preparation, accurate information, and practical decision-making—not fear or politics.”

KEYWORDS: Preparedness, Transparency, Evidence-Based

Andy Wuethrich

Democratic
State AssemblyDistrict 86
Submitted October 12, 2026

Q1 America has a growing artificial intelligence (AI) industry, supporting cutting edge innovation and reshaping businesses, but raising concerns about education, ownership, and security. Application of AI technology has increased the demand placed on data centers, controversial for their resource use (such as water and land) and raising utility costs. What are your policy positions in regards to data centers and AI? What sources of evidence informed these positions?

Artificial Intelligence

Ai is a tool mankind can use to solve some of our most daunting problems, and for that purpose and that purpose alone should we foster the use of this technology. The use of AI to subvert intellectual property, decrease personal intellectual endeavors and make us as a society less intelligent is both inappropriate and malicious for society as a whole.

Q2 Making the US competitive in the bioeconomy (using technology applied to renewable biological resources to produce food, energy and industrial goods) requires innovation and investments in business, academia and government. Please describe policies you will support, if any, that relate to workforce development in Wisconsin’s strengths such as agriculture, biotechnology, and energy; and explain their rationale.

Jobs and Workforce

I support increasing the funding for higher education as a whole and will work toward making higher education in the U.S cost free for those who want to attend universities and Tech schools.

Q3 Wisconsin’s public K-12 education systems have seen a significant decline in the past two decades, with more than 600 public schools closing and statewide student enrollment dropping 7%. These impacts have been especially pronounced in Wisconsin’s many rural counties, where opportunities for STEM education are already fewer. What policies, if any, would you support to improve K-12 education for students across Wisconsin?

K-12 Science Education

Education funding increases are one of the core beliefs I hold. We need to eliminate Act 10 and the Private School Voucher System and their negative effect on our education system.

Q5 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?

Trust in Science

I intend to use Scientific experts 100% of the time.

Q7 Wisconsin has faced an increasing number of infectious disease outbreaks in recent years, for instance with rising numbers of measles and avian influenza cases that threaten human health and agricultural industry, respectively. What policies, if any, would you support to manage the burden of infectious disease in the state and respond to future outbreaks?

Public Health

We need to return to the vaccination requirements and beliefs that existed 20 years ago and that have been upended by misinformation and false research.

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