Let's begin with some more election data both statewide and in Milwaukee County. According to analysis by the Democratic Party of Milwaukee County, turnout was very high for a spring election. Statewide, it reached 61.7% of registered voters. In Milwaukee County, turnout was 55.61%. Compared to the Wisconsin Supreme Court election in 2023, when we elected Janet Protasiewicz, overall turnout in 2025 was higher by 10.5%.
The increase in turnout included substantial gains by both parties! And yet Crawford still won by a landslide. Our North Shore communities were among the areas where we saw increases compared to the turnout in 2023. Here's the relevant data for those seven communities (I don't have comparable data from Ozaukee County):
| Municipality | D 2023 - 2025 |
R 2023 - 2025 |
Crawford | Schimel | |
| Bayside | 11.6% | 15.7% | 1,939 (75.18%) | 640 (24.82%) | |
| Brown Deer | 33.3% | 2.5% | 3,926 (77.85%) | 1,115 (22.11%) | |
| Fox Point | 14.4% | 16.8% | 3,003 (75.17%) | 986 (24.68%) | |
| Glendale | 21.1% | 15.0% | 5,336 (78.14%) | 1,484 (21.73%) | |
| River Hills | 0.1% | 15.0% | 250 (59.38%) | 170 (40.38%) | |
| Shorewood | 13.3% | 15.8% | 6,683 (88.25%) | 886 (11.70%) | |
| Whitefish Bay | 42.5% | 12.0% | 6,004 (75.46%) | 1,951 (24.52%) |
Notice that the increase in Republican turnout percent in 2025 compared to the Republican turnout percent in 2023 often exceeded the increase in Democratic turnout percent. In Bayside, for example, Republican turnout was 15.7% higher in the 2025 election than it had bee in 2023 while the increase in Democratic turnout there was only 11.6%. But percents aren't votes. So even though Schimel got more votes than Dan Kelly, Susan Crawford still beat him — handily — in every one of the seven municipalities here. In Bayside, she won 75.18% of the votes!
Winning is wonderful, but understanding why is just as important. What issues moved voters? The Institute for Reforming Government (IRG) has recently issued a poll undertaken with Napolitan News Service and Scott Rasmussen. IRG is a decidedly "right-wing, Wisconsin-based 501(c)(3) founded in 2018," funded by the Bradley Foundation (see the Center for Media and Democracy Source Watch). So a little interpretive caution is in order.
The poll survey 800 registered voters from April 8-14. Generally, the poll found respondents disapproved of Trump (approve - disapprove: -6 points); of DOGE (-13 points); of Musk (-20 points); and of tariffs (-27 points). When asked about issues that may have influenced their votes, Schimel's position on abortion was decidedly a factor for 63% of voters. 48% considered it a major influence and an additional 15% said it influenced their vote "a little." Close behind that issue, the charge that Schimel was "bought off with campaign contributions" influenced 55% of voters (38% a lot and 17% a little).
Among the key findings of the poll, abortion was a very important issue (60% over all, 47% for Independents and 65% for women). "Sharing my values" was also identified as very important (51%). The IRG's analysis goes further (and implies it's rightward inclinations):
- 59% disapprove of Musk, 64% of Independents
- 50% have an unfavorable view of DOGE, 62% view tariffs unfavorably
- Susan Crawford stopping Trump's agenda was a top influence on voters' minds
- 75% of all voters and 53% of Independents identified stopping Trump’s agenda as influential on their decision
- 48% of all voters said Schimel tied to both Trump and Musk led them not to choose Schimel, only 24% identified abortion rights
- 30% say Susan Crawford’s opposition to President Trump’s agenda was the most important issue leading to her election
It's interesting that IRG asserts that "635,214 Trump Voters didn’t show up" yet the election became "a referendum on the Trump Agenda & Elon Musk." The germ of the progressive messaging is clear: the agenda Trump and Musk are pursuing is so unpopular that even Trump's voters aren't moved to support it.
As you might remember that every county's votes shifted toward Democrats in the 2025 election compared to the 2024 election. The size of the arrows in the diagram indicate the size of the shift. 
(See a much larger version.)
The spring election is not the only exciting event we had this month. On April 6, fresh off the enthusiasm engendered by the nationwide "Hands Off" rallies, Grassroots North Shore held it's annual meeting to hear from state legislators Greta Neubauer, Deb Andraca, and Jodi Habush Sinykin about the state budget and the process of passing it, plus an insightful account of some key legal cases currently pending in federal courts by Attorney Jim Santelle. Dan Folkman taped the whole thing. If you missed it, you can watch it on our YouTube page.
According to the Washington Examiner, Wisconsin's share of the $12 billion federal dollars that should have gone to combatting "infectious disease and other serious health problems that the U.S.," will amount to $210 million. That money was to be used for "mental health, substance abuse prevention and bolstering emergency medical services." Budgets are moral documents, a quotation often attributed to Martin Luther King, Jr., but perhaps spoken by another civil rights activist, Brittney Packnett Cunningham. This cut is an immoral assault by the Trump administration against our state. And it is far from the only one. In the coming weeks, as the state budget is debated in the legislature, we will be asking you to weigh in with your legislators.
Just this last weekend, on Saturday, April 19th, Grassroots North Shore and our co-sponsors held what turned out to be an empty chair town hall for Senator Ron Johnson. On April 4, we invited the senator to attend but on April 18 he declined. So instead of hearing his responses to questions and comments, he had to be represented by some toy chickens. Eilene Stevens also wore an inflatable chicken suit, visually reminding people that our senator is too cowardly to talk directly to his constituents. At least 350 people attended and more than 60 citizens got up to speak to the Senator. Many people wrote comments and questions for him on index cards, too. The event was recorded — and will be available to watch by next week. Both the video and the cards will be delivered to his D.C. office.
The Resistance to the Trump regime's cuts to funding is growing. Rachel Maddow has been leading her show each night with a tour of protest rallies and marches in places large and small. Milwaukee has seen several in the past few weeks, including the overpass protests "Stop the Cut," organized by 50501 to accompany or empty chair town hall. Here's the account from WTMJ-TV. The fullest account is from WPR, complete with quotations from homemade signs and from the people demonstrating. It's well worth a read.
Where is all of this going? It's hard to know. But there is a movement afoot to organize for a General Strike sometime in the near(ish) future. You can sign the strike card — even if you are retired. "The General Strike is a grassroots network of regular people who know our greatest power is our labor and our right to refuse it." Those of us who are no longer working for money (just for love) can meaningfully participate "by boycotting big corporations, providing mutual aid and financial support to striking workers, and doing everything possible to spread the word in the meantime." See the full FAQ. A General Strike may never happen in this country, but it is one way the world's peoples have found effective to rid themselves of noxious authoritarian rule.
TAKE ACTION
CALL AND WRITE YOUR SENATORS — Tammy Baldwin and Ron Johnson — to urge them to vote NO on the so-called SAVE Act. The House has already passed this measure and now it will be up to the senate to do the same.
Senator Tammy Baldwin (D): (202) 224-5653
Senator Ron Johnson (R): (202) 224-5323
It is absolutely vital that we defeat this ugly, voter-suppression bill. The SAVE Act would upend voter registration as we know it. It would require voters to present Documented Proof of Citizenship in person at election offices and would nullify common methods of voter registration:
- Mail-in registration;
- Online voter registration;
- Voter registration drives.
The senate is back in session now that Easter is in the rearview mirror. There's no time like to present to call and to keep calling.
Plan ahead to PARTICIPATE IN THE NEXT BIG PROTEST on May 1. Voces de la Frontera will be kicking off a march and rally for "May Day: A Day Without Immigrants and Workers" in front of its office at 733 W Mitchell St in Milwaukee. Much like a General Strike, the purpose of a day without immigrants and workers is to demonstrate the economic power of those who work. It's "a powerful demonstration of our collective strength. Our labor fuels the economy, and those who profit from it must respect our rights, dignity, and humanity." The protest DEMANDS that we
- Stop scapegoating immigrant workers and separating families!
- Defend Medicaid, food stamps, and public education! No more tax breaks for billionaires!
- Stand up for sanctuary!
- Immigration reform with a path to citizenship now!
The march is more than 2 miles long. If that is too far for you, just attend the rally at the Voces office or join the march when it reaches the Federal Courthouse.
EVENTS
Thursday, April 24
Where's Bryan Steil? 5:30pm
South Milwaukee City Hall, 2424 15th Ave, South Milwaukee
Our country is in the midst of a Constitutional crisis and Rep. Byron Steil is missing in action. Join Sen. Chris Larson and Rep. Christine Sinicki in South Milwaukee to make your voice heard.
Thursday, April 24
Milwaukee County Board vote on County Climate Plan, 12:00pm
County Courthouse, 901 N 9th St, Room 200, Milwaukee
Attend, hold up a sign in support, and report back to the League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County.
Friday, April 25
League of Progressive Seniors Forum on Immigration, 9:30am
Knickerbocker Hotel, 1028 E Juneau, Milwaukee
You are invited to a Forum on: Speakers: Caitlyn Lewis (Community Center for Immigrants); Atty. Cain Oulahan (Oulahan Immigration Law); and a representative from Comite sin Frontereas. To reserve you place, email Tom Callan. For more information, contact Karen Royster.
LWVMC League Café, 10:00am - 12:00pm
East Side Library, 2320 N Cramer St, Milwaukee
League Café meets monthly and welcomes League members old and new, as well as community members. In a small group setting, we get to know each other better, share knowledge and have interesting conversations. In rotating months, we meet as a general discussion group, and in opposite months, convene as a book club to discuss noteworthy books on racial equity, immigration and/or voting.
Saturday, April 26
A Dialogue: Confronting Mass Incarceration, 10:00am - 12:00pm
1522 on the Lake Community Room
1522 N Prospect Ave, Milwaukee
Join us for short presentation by Dr. Emily Sterk followed by discussion of how interested League members can advocate for change in our community! Dr. Emily Sterk joined the Milwaukee Turners as a Research and Advocacy Associate in September 2024. She has worked in various learning environments, including national and international universities, correctional facilities, youth detention centers, and adult education centers. As part of the “Confronting Mass Incarceration” team, Emily develops and contributes to the Milwaukee Turners’ expanding expertise in mass incarceration policy and creates research-informed programs for system-impacted individuals. Emily joined the League of Women Voters in the fall of 2024. Registration is required.
Rock the Green Event, 12:00 - 3:00pm
Harley-Davidson Museum, 400 W Canal St, Milwaukee
This 14th Annual Rock the Green Event is presented by Milwaukee River Keepers and the City of Milwaukee Environmental Collaboration Office, featuring The Zach Pietrini Band. Attend and report back to the League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County.
Monday, April 28
WAVE Discussion: Gun Violence 101, 6:00 - 7:00pm
Zoom
WAVE is hosting a special Virtual Action Team event featuring a conversation with the author, Thomas Gabor, and illustrator, Violet Lemay. They’ll discuss the biggest gun lobby myths, the truth behind them, and how we can be more effective advocates for preventing gun tragedies. Sign up.
Tuesday, April 29
The Struggle for Antiracist Education in Our Classrooms, 6:30 - 7:30pm CDT
Zoom
Across the country, there’s a growing movement to ban books, silence discussions of race, and erase the truth of our history from curriculums. But the fight for antiracist education is not new. From the legacy of Black teachers during Reconstruction to the Civil Rights-era freedom schools, there is a long history of people standing up for equity and truth in education. Join us to hear from educator, author, and activist Jesse Hagopian, a veteran teacher and leading voice for racial justice in education. He will share insights on the past and present battles to teach accurate history, the coordinated campaigns to restrict classroom conversations, and how we can organize to protect the right to learn — and to teach — the truth. See you there! Sign up.
Wednesday, April 30
Presidentail Power in the First Hundred Days, 2:00 - 3:00pm CDT
Virtual
April 30 marks 100 days of Donald Trump’s second term. Over the past three months, the president has issued more than 100 executive orders that aim to bypass Congress and change policy through unilateral action. His administration imposed sweeping tariffs on every country in the world, withdrew the United States from the World Health Organization, and declared a national emergency at the southern border. It purported to rewrite election rules and end birthright citizenship. It is attacking major law firms. And much more.
But has this flurry of orders effected fundamental change? There are already 46 challenges to executive orders pending in court, and the administration has had no outright victory in any of them. Judges appointed by presidents of both parties have put the brakes on Trump’s plan for change. Will the courts continue to thwart his lawless agenda? Join the Brennan Center for a discussion with experts about what these three months have made clear about the Trump administration’s priorities and what might lie ahead. Register.
Social Security Listening Session, 4:00 - 5:30pm CDT
Washington Park Senior Center, 4420 W Vliet St, Milwaukee
The Milwaukee County Commission on Aging wants to hear your thoughts about possible changes to Social Security. Your experience and opinions are critical to policy makers. Please join AARP and the Milwaukee County Commission on Aging in this important conversations. Plenty of cookies and hot coffee! You must register to attend and AARP wants you to create a login with a password. But there is an option to log in without a password. Learn more and register.
Community Conversation with Senator Jodi Habush Sinykin: A Friendraiser not a Fundraiser, 5:00 - 6:30pm CDT
N53W16690 Prairie Dawn, Menomonee Falls
In these uncertain times, hear from Jodi about what is happening in the legislature and how we can keep moving Wisconsin Forward. Sign up by emailing Carrie.
Thursday, May 1
May Day: A Day Without Immigrants and Workers 9:30am
733 W Mitchell St, Milwaukee
Rally at the Voces de la Frontera Office and March to the Federal Courthouse (517 E Wisconsin Ave). May Day, A Day Without Immigrants and Workers, is a powerful demonstration of our collective strength. Our labor fuels the economy, and those who profit from it must respect our rights, dignity, and humanity.
WE DEMAND…
- Stop scapegoating immigrant workers and separating families!
- Defend Medicaid, food stamps, and public education! No more tax breaks for billionaires!
- Stand up for sanctuary!
- Immigration reform with a path to citizenship now!
The march is more than 2 miles long. If that is too far for you, join the march when it reaches the Federal Courthouse.
Saturday, May 3
Brewing Voter Appreciation with NED! 10:00am - 1:00pm
Address provided upon registration
Join the NorthEast Dems of Madison to write voter appreciation post-cards! We are getting together to say thank you again to our neighbors for being voters. It is so important to show our community that we appreciate them for being voters and that NED is sticking around as a progressive action team. All the materials will be provided. We'll be gathering at a local coffee house to write the post cards, catch up on recent events, and talk about our next actions. Sign up.
Monday, May 4
6th CD Convention, 10:00am - 3:00pm
DPOC, 1930 Wisconsin Ave, Grafton
Calling all 6th CD members! It's time for the 6th CD to gather once again - and this year, the convention falls on May 4, also known as "Star Wars Day"! Lunch wil be provided. More details can be found here.
Tuesday, May 6
Wisconsin Conservation Voters Lobby Day, All Day
Madison
Join folks from across Wisconsin at the state Capitol to tell legislators what you expect from them this legislative session at Conservation Lobby Day, hosted by Wisconsin Conservation Voters! Tell your legislators directly about the action you want them to take on clean water, clean energy, and a healthy democracy. Citizen lobbying really does make a difference! All of the past Conservation Lobby Days have led to direct policy wins that helped move forward a pro-conservation agenda. For more information, visit the event page. And register.
Wednesday, May 7
Banned Book Club: Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer, 6:30 - 9:00pm CDT
Online
Braiding Sweetgrass is the amazing nonfiction book by botanist, author, and citizen of the Potawatomi Nation, Robin Wall Kimmerer. In this book, she explores and celebrates our reciprocal relationship with the rest of the living world. Braiding Sweetgrass touches on issues relating to colonialism, environmentalism, and climate change. Sponsored by Red Wine & Blue. Sign up.
Save the Date
Saturday, May 10
Grassroots Festival: We Are the Guardrails Now! 9:00 - 5:00pm
McFarland High School, 5103 Farwell St, McFarland
It's up to us to rescue our democracy - together. No one can do it alone. This Festival brings us together to network, to learn, and to support one another. WGN needs you to make it happen. Let us know that you want to help by clicking on the Volunteer button below. It takes you to our website Contact page where you can share your contact information as well as your ideas. We'll feature several exciting keynote speakers, 16 breakout sessions on issues that matter, concessions, lunch, and entertainment. But, we can't do it without you. Join us. BE A GUARDRAIL!
WisDems Virtual Phonebank! 10:00am - 2:00pm
Virtual
Join the Wisconsin Dems to call voters! First time making calls? Phone banking is easy, fun, and rewarding! You’ll receive comprehensive training at the start of your shift. Shifts at 10, noon, 2pm. Sign up.
Monday, May 12
Constitutional Meaning in the Shadow of the Articles of Confederation, 6:00 - 7:00pm
Virtual
Brought to you by the Brennan Center at the NYU Law School. The Roberts Court has increasingly relied on history to resolve some of the most important constitutional questions of our time. Embracing a form of interpretation called “originalism,” the Court’s conservative majority argues that the original public understanding of the Constitution is what really counts. But discerning the goals and assumptions of those who ratified the Constitution requires an understanding of the document they were replacing: the Articles of Confederation.
Today, the Articles are ignored as a false start. That’s a mistake. The Constitution was an explicit attempt to form a union “more perfect” than that of the Articles of Confederation, and they provide vital context for the framers’ choices.
Join us virtually or in person to watch historians, journalists, law professors, and political scientists explore how the nation’s first experiment in self-governance paved the way for the Constitution we have today. Panelists will examine the legacy of the Articles of Confederation, the founding debates over federal power, and the lasting influence of these debates on modern-day constitutional interpretation. RSVP.
Monday, May 19
Dems of MKE County Meeting, 6:00 - 7:30pm
Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, 8900 N Kildeer Ct, Brown Deer
Please join us for our May Membership Meeting.
Tuesday, May 20
WAVE Day of Action to Prevent Gun Violence, 6:00 - 7:00pm
Madison
Join WAVE Educational Fund, the Wisconsin Gun Violence Prevention Coalition, and advocates from across the state in Madison as we speak up for lifesaving gun laws. The morning will feature training on how to talk effectively with your legislators about policies that save lives. In the afternoon, you can speak with your elected officials. If you’d rather not speak, you can show up to support others - every person counts! Lunch is included – along with time to build community with others who are dedicated to creating a safer, more just Wisconsin. Sign up.
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