First, the good news: in special elections so far this year, Democrats have outperformed expectations, in some cases by a lot. Take the special election for a state senate seat in Rhode Island. Vice President Harris won the district in November 2024 by a healthy 11 points. The Democrat who won the special election yesterday got 83.6% of the vote! And that's not a typo. It's a 56 point Democratic overperformance. (See Daily Kos, August 5, 2025.)
On April 3, NBC News reported that "in 16 special state legislative and congressional elections held so far this year, Democrats have bettered their margin of victory or defeat compared to the 2024 Trump-Harris battle by an average of about 11.5 points, according to data collected by the political site The Downballot. The Democrat overperformed in 14 of those 16 contests, including flipping deep-red state Senate districts in Iowa and Pennsylvania."
On June 11, G. Elliott Morris reported that there were six special elections in legislative districts on June 10. "Democrats beat expectations in five of the six." He goes on to note that "the median seat [in all the special elections held by June 11] has moved 13 points toward the Democrats since November 2024." And according to his analysis, the districts where Democrats overperformed had not already been trending blue before these special elections. In other words, the movement he was seeing in spring 2025 was NEW!
It's not just special election data that is showing MAGA's vulnerability as we speed toward a hugely consequential election in 2026. Trump and his regime have reached nearly record-breaking unfavorable scores in recent polls — second only to Trump's record disapproval at this same point in his first term! The New York Times daily average of polls shows that only 44% approve while 53% disapprove. The Civiqs poll of registered voters has his approval rate at 42% with disapproval at 54%. Although big margins approve of Trump in obvious places like Alabama, Kentucky, and Oklahoma, he's barely above water in Florida (49% approve, 47% disapprove). In Texas, where MAGAites are trying to steal five congressional seats by rigging the maps, only 45% approve while 51% disapprove of Trump.
That same Civiqs poll shows Latino men disapproving of Trump by 21 points while Latino women disapprove by 40 points! According to polling of 1,600 Latino voters nationwide, "only 34% of Latino voters approve of Trump's handling of the economy, while 63% disapprove." The falloff in Hispanic support may make stealing those five Texas congressional seats a little harder than it may at first have appeared, at least if the rigged maps they just drew up were based in part on voting performance in the 2024 election.
Rigging electoral maps has become the hot topic of the day since Trump has announced that MAGAs are "entitled to five more [congressional] seats" in Texas (Politico, August 5, 2025). In both New York and California, moves are afoot to redraw their congressional maps to yield more seats for Democrats, although it may be more difficult in those places because they have already implemented non-partisan redistricting laws. Not so in Maryland, Illinois, and other blue states. The issue is a contentious one: many Democrats and progressives have fought long and hard to achieve fair maps, as we have here in Wisconsin. But the same has not happened in red states. That imbalance leaves Democrats at a significant disadvantage in the upcoming elections.
Many of us want to preserve the progress we've made. But it is worth looking back to the way Republicans gerrymandered Wisconsin in 2011 and locked Democrats out of legislative power for 14 years. The same kind of thing seems to be happening now at the national level, where the consequences may be considerably more dire. It's a tug of war between sticking to a fundamental principle to ensure fairness and fighting fire with fire, so to speak. If you have 10 minutes, listen to former Representative Katie Porter defend Governor Newsom's plan to respond if the Texas redistricting plan moves forward and think about where you come down on this issue.
Wisconsin is not in a position to counter Texas in effect cheating in the 2026 congressional elections, in part because Republicans still control both houses of the legislature here. But we can do our part in another way: by defeating Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden next year. And the time to begin that effort is now! In the next 10 days, we will begin phoning into Steil's district urging voters to call the congressman and tell him to reverse the cuts to Medicaid and SNAP he voted for in the Big Ugly Budget Bill. The Wisconsin Democratic Party has organized virtual phone banks (VPBs) to call into Representative Van Orden's district right now. Sign up to make calls NOW.
As you know, we have a big Wisconsin Supreme Court contest coming up. The shape of that race is not quite as settled as it typically is at this point in the calendar. Although she does not seem to be raising money or undertaking other typical campaign functions less than eight months ahead of the 2026 Wisconsin Supreme Court election, Justice Rebecca Bradley has "sharply criticized Taylor for opposing Marsy's Law, a constitutional amendment aimed at expanding and strengthening the rights of crime victims" (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, August 6, 2025). Whether Bradley seeks re-election or not, we're sure to see more of the same: attacks trying to tarnish Judge Taylor's record, both as a legislator and as a jurist. We must not wait to begin fighting back.
So we are beginning to canvass with the Democrats for the weekend of action on August 16 and 17. In Glendale on Saturday, August 16, Democrats will be doing High Traffic Canvassing in Glendale. On Sunday, August 17, there will be canvasses at the following locations:
- Lakefront Dems at the Brady Street Market
- Glendale
- Grafton and Cedarburg
- Menomonee Falls and Sussex
- New Berlin
It's time to do more than buckle up. To brace for impact. Or even to plan. We need to act NOW to save what we can of our democratic republic. So let's all take action!
TAKE ACTION
Make phone calls to make sure their constituents know that Representatives Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden voted to slash Medicaid funding and money for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) when they approved the Big Ugly Budget Bill (BUB). In the next few weeks, Congress must hammer out appropriation bills to allocate funding for specific agencies and programs under that budget framework. So this is the perfect time to revisit the draconian cuts to the social safety net and restore critical programs like Medicaid and SNAP! Sign up.
The groups that came together to set up the framework for NO KINGS are hosting a series of three trainings this summer — called One Million Rising — to move us beyond showing up for rallies and marches. Don't get me wrong. Those events are absolutely necessary. But they are not, by themselves, sufficient. So every one of us — and I do mean EVERYONE — needs to find some additional way to engage, resist, and help grow the movement so that we achieve the numbers needed to defeat the evil engulfing our country.
The organizers explain it this way: "Across the country, authoritarian forces are getting bolder and more dangerous. Trump and his allies are not hiding their agenda: mass deportations, rollbacks of civil rights, weaponized courts, and full-scale attacks on our democracy. We don’t have to wait until it’s too late. We can stop this. But it’ll take all of us — not just on single days of mass action, but through sustained organizing in our communities."
The first two parts are online at YouTube (see the links below). The third one is being held on Wednesday, August 13. So sign up for it now! Each segment runs 90 minutes. So it's a serious time commitment. But absolutely essential. (Also, you don't need to have watched sessions 1 and 2 to sign up for session 3. It's helpful but not essential.)
- One Million Rising Session 1: The Moment & Your Mission - July 16. Watch on YouTube.
- One Million Rising Session 2: How to Make it Happen - July 30. Watch on YouTube.
- One Million Rising Session 3: What Now? July 13, 7:00 - 8:30 CDT. Sign up.
EVENTS
Wednesday, August 6
Ozaukee County Dems New Volunteer Meeting, 5:00 - 6:00pm
1245 Cheyenne Ave, Suite 103, Grafton
Want to get involved with the Ozaukee County Dems? Attend our Volunteer Event! Join us at our headquarters at 1245 Cheyenne Ave Suite 103, in Grafton. Sign up!
Thursday, August 7
Talking Tough Topics: How to Handle Conversations Like a Pro, 7:30 - 8:30pm
Virtual
With so much happening in politics right now our voices matter more than ever. Misinformation is everywhere and it is important that we know how to share accurate information, stand up for our values, and engage in conversations that make an impact. Want a little help having effective and persuasive conversations? We got you! Join us to hear from communications expert Jess McIntosh who will give us practical strategies to navigate political talk like a pro. Let’s create change—one conversation at a time! See you there! Sign up!
Tuesday, August 12
WI Fair Maps Coalition Statewide Tour: Janesville, 5:30 - 7:30pm CDT
address in Janesville when you register
The Wisconsin Fair Maps Coalition is on a STATEWIDE TOUR, and we want to hear from YOU!
We may have fair maps now, but they’re only temporary. Without lasting legislation, we risk going back to a system where politicians pick their voters — and ignore the will of the people. When maps are rigged, we don’t get what we want or need: clean air and water, strong public schools, affordable healthcare, and real accountability.
Activists and volunteers with the Fair Maps Coalition have been working on a draft proposal for an Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) over the last several months. Now, we want feedback from the public — including YOU! We hope you will join a Fair Maps Community Hearing near you, but you can also view the proposal and give feedback on our website.
Wednesday, August 13
One Million Rising: Strategic Non-Cooperation to Fight Authoritarianism, 7:00 - 8:30pm
Virtual
Across the country, authoritarian forces are getting bolder and more dangerous. Trump and his allies are not hiding their agenda: mass deportations, rollbacks of civil rights, weaponized courts, and full-scale attacks on our democracy. We don’t have to wait until it’s too late. We can stop this. But it’ll take all of us—not just on single days of mass action, but through sustained organizing in our communities.
That’s why this summer, we’re launching One Million Rising—a national effort to train one million people in the strategic logic and practice of non-cooperation, as well as the basics of community organizing and campaign design. This is how we build people power that can’t be ignored. You’re invited to join us—and lead.
**Session 3: What Now? - August 13** You'll be onboarded to basic campaign design and learn how to implement it locally as well as get plugged into our next national campaign work. Your second community resistance gathering will move this action forward. Sign up.
Thursday, August 14
Sex, Lies, and Stereotypes: How Disinformation Undermines Women's Rights, 6:30 - 7:30pm CDT
Virtual
Disinformation isn’t just fake news. It’s a tactic used to undermine progress, maintain control, and it increasingly targets women. Join us for a conversation with Dr. Bonnie Stabile, Associate Professor at George Mason University, to learn how disinformation harms women and how it is intentionally used to target women in positions of leadership. We’ll explore why false narratives about women are so widely believed and how outdated stereotypes and so-called efforts to “protect women” are actually being used to push extremist agendas and roll back rights. Understanding the strategy is the first step in fighting back. Let’s push back together. See you there! Sign up.
Saturday, August 16
Glendale High Traffic Canvassing, 12:00 - 2:00pm and 3:00 - 5:00pm
Green Tree Road and North Port Washington Road
Join Grassroots Glendale as we high traffic canvass at the corner of Green Tree and Port Washington Road! We will be meeting at 6563 N Crestwood Drive prior to heading over. If you've never done this before, don't worry. An expert will be on hand to help you feel at ease and to get started.
We will be using an app called Reach to record the names of the people we talk to. So if you do not have that app, you can download it for free from Apple's App Store or from Google Play. While we are gathered at 6563 N Crestwood Drive, we will briefly show you how to use Reach as you canvass. So sign up!
Bay View Resists, 9:00am - 12:00pm
Stairs near Oklahoma St
At 9:00am, Beach clean up at Bay View Beach. Meet at the stairs near Oklahoma. Supplies provided.
At 11:00am, make + take lawn signs at South Shore Beach.
At 12:00pm, Drone photo shoot at South Shore Beach.
Knock on Doors in Mequon, 9:00am - 12:00pm and 12:00 - 3:00pm
1930 Wisconsin Avenue, Grafton
Join us to knock on doors of fellow Democrats and invite them to volunteer with us! Sign up!
Knock on Doors in Menomonee Falls & Sussex, 9:00am - 12:00pm and 12:00 - 3:00pm
Sign up for location
Join us to Knock on Doors in Menomonee Falls and Sussex! Sign up!
Knock on Doors in Waukesha City, 9:00am - 12:00pm and 12:00 - 3:00pm
Sign up for location
Join us to Knock on Doors in Waukesha City! Sign up!
Knock on Doors in New Berlin, 12:00 - 3:00pm
Sign up for location
Join us to Knock on Doors in New Berlin! Sign up!
Voces de la Frontera: Milwaukee ICE Verifier Training Series, 1:00 - 3:00pm
733 W Historic Mitchell St, Milwaukee
Become a community defense network verifier! Verifiers are people who respond to ICE alerts by quickly traveling to the reported locations to confirm or deny ICE activity. *The role requires reliable transportation and some daytime flexibility. Trainings are held at the Voces Milwaukee office (733 W Mitchell St) every first and third Saturday of the month from 1-3pm. Only one training is necessary. Please sign up in advance.
Sunday, August 17
Grassroots Glendale Bridge Building Canvass, 12:00 - 3:00pm and 3:00 - 6:00pm
Sign up for location
Join Grassroots Glendale as we build bridges with voters in our neighborhood! We'll be asking voters about the issues that matter most to them, how they feel about how the current administration is handling them, and how we can earn their votes in 2026. Sign up!
Knock on Doors in Menomonee Falls & Sussex, 9:00am - 12:00pm and 12:00 - 3:00pm
Sign up for location
Join us to Knock on Doors in Menomonee Falls and Sussex! Sign up!
Knock on Doors in New Berlin, 12:00 - 3:00pm
Sign up for location
Join us to Knock on Doors in New Berlin! Sign up!
Tuesday, August 19
How You Can Fight Climate Change, 6:30 - 7:30pm CDT
Virtual
We are seeing the realities of climate change all around us. Are you wondering what you can do to make a difference? Join us to explore the everyday steps you can take to fight climate change and how to inspire others to join you. From the food we eat to how we travel, shop, and vote, climate action is woven into every part of our lives. This event will highlight everyday actions you can take and how small changes can add up to a big impact when we act together. Whether you're just starting your journey or looking for new ways to make a difference, you’ll leave ready to take action. See you there! Sign up!
Wednesday, August 20
Unite and Rise Trainings: Championing Issues that Matter Most to You, 12:30 - 1:30pm CDT
virtual
There is a direct and swift assault on the federal government being enacted by the current administration. The power of the pen via executive orders has been brutalized and it has left voters from Arizona to Pennsylvania in a frenzy. What is the scope of each branch of government and why does understanding these roles matter in the long run?
Join LWVUS staff attorney Thomas Tai, Chelsey R. Cartwright, Democracy Truth Project Manager, and Kaitlyn Dowling, Senior Analyst at the Algorithmic Transparency Institute and Rebecca Goldman, Justice Reform Legislative & Policy Manager (TBD) for a conversation that takes a deep dive into why it’s important that voters understand the purview of the executive branch, judicial branch, and legislative branch of government.
The conversation will hinge on why the distinction between branches of government matters, the history behind the separation of powers, and how expanding your knowledge base of this information can inform and influence your work in your state or local League. Registration required.
WI Fair Maps Coalition Statewide Tour: Waukesha, 6:00 - 8:00pm CDT
Waukesha address when you register
The Wisconsin Fair Maps Coalition is on a STATEWIDE TOUR, and we want to hear from YOU!
We may have fair maps now, but they’re only temporary. Without lasting legislation, we risk going back to a system where politicians pick their voters — and ignore the will of the people. When maps are rigged, we don’t get what we want or need: clean air and water, strong public schools, affordable healthcare, and real accountability.
Activists and volunteers with the Fair Maps Coalition have been working on a draft proposal for an Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) over the last several months. Now, we want feedback from the public — including YOU! We hope you will join a Fair Maps Community Hearing near you, but you can also view the proposal and give feedback on our website.
Ozaukee Dems Monthly Meeting, 7:00 - 8:00pm CDT
1245 Cheyenne Ave., #103, Grafton
Join us for our monthly meeting to get the latest updates on our fight to turn Ozaukee County blue and find out how you can help.
Thursday, August 21
Waukesha Dems Monthly Meeting, 7:00 - 8:30pm CDT
200 Richard St., Waukeshap
Join us for our August monthly meeting. More details to follow.
Save the Date
Thursday, August 28
RWB Civics Salon: What the Heck Do Federal Departments and Agencies Do? 6:30 - 7:30pm CDT
Virtual
Did you know that the executive branch isn’t just the president with a pen and a podium? It's a sprawling web of departments that keep the country running, from managing natural disasters to inspecting the food your family eats and the air we all breathe. Join us as we break down who does what, why it matters, and how these departments show up in your everyday life. From the Department of Education to the EPA, we’ll connect the dots so you can stop confusing acronyms and start understanding the machinery behind government decisions. See you there! Sign up!
Saturday, August 30
Coffee, Tea & Democracy, 10:00 - 11:00am CDT
1245 Cheyenne Ave., #103, Grafton
Stop by the Dem office on the last Saturday of every month from 10am - 1pm for this new event!
Q: What is it?
A: A fun and safe space where ideas will percolate and tea is spilt.
We provide refreshments. You bring yourself, and a friend. See you there!
Thursday, August 31
Waukesha Dems August Meeting, 7:00 - 8:00pm CDT
200 Richard St, Waukesha
Join us for our August Monthly Meeting! More details to follow.
other important links
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