Wisconsinites will vote for state Assembly and Senate candidates in the general election Nov. 5, 2024.
This the first election under newly-competitive district maps.
What do the Wisconsin Senate and Assembly do?
The Wisconsin Legislature is made up of 99 Assembly representatives and 33 Senators from across Wisconsin. Together, they have the power to create, amend and repeal laws.
The Legislature plays a major role in deciding how to use taxpayer-funded state revenue every two years in the biennial budget. Whether more or less money is spent on education, economic development, tax relief — that is decided by the majority in the Legislature, along with Wisconsin's governor, who has to sign the budget, and other bills, into law.
What's at stake?
The Wisconsin Legislature has been firmly controlled by Republicans for more than a decade, under gerrymandered legislative maps.
Those maps were thrown out by the liberal-majority Wisconsin Supreme Court last year, which prompted the Legislature to approve new maps proposed by Gov. Tony Evers.
Democrats now have a chance of winning the majority in the Assembly, if they win a handful competitive districts.
In the Senate, only half of the seats are up for election, which means Republicans are likely to hold a majority in that chamber for the next two years at least. But Democrats are still working to flip some of the seats.
Assembly District 12
Assembly District 12 covers the far north of the city of Milwaukee, as well as part of northern Wauwatosa and western Brown Deer.
The district is currently represented by Democrat LaKeshia Myers, who is now running for a Senate seat.
Democrat Russell Goodwin and Independent Deanna Alexander will face each other in the Nov. 5 general election. Goodwin beat Democrats Brandon Willford, Decorah Gordon, and Katrina Blossom Morrison in a crowded Aug. 13 primary.
According to WisPolitics, the district leans 79% Democratic.
WUWM sent a questionnaire to the District 12 candidates. Their responses below may be edited for length and clarity.
Meet the candidates
Russell Antonio Goodwin, Sr. (Democrat)
What motivated you to run for this office?
I am motivated to continue the impactful work of LaKeshia Myers. With experience in the public and private sectors, as a business owner, community leader, and former Milwaukee County Supervisor, I am committed to bridging the gap between Milwaukee and Madison. Believing that Milwaukee's success is vital for Wisconsin's prosperity, I am dedicated to driving progress and positive change for all District 12 residents.
What concerns are you hearing from constituents, and how do you plan to address those if elected?
If elected, I plan to address key concerns raised by constituents through community collaboration and transparency. Prioritizing issues such as reckless driving, crime, fully funding and investing into Milwaukee Public Schools, housing challenges, mental health, and bringing in more family-sustaining jobs with union support, I aim to drive positive change and enhance the well-being of all residents. Success in these efforts will be achieved through strategic partnerships and collective action in our community.
What would success look like for you at the end of your term?
Success at the end of my term in Wisconsin State Assembly District 12 would be marked by tangible improvements: reduced reckless driving incidents, crime rates, and enhanced funding for fully staffed Milwaukee Public Schools. Progress in addressing homelessness, rental affordability, bolstering mental health support, and safety for children are paramount. Success includes attracting more family-sustaining jobs through community collaboration, transparency, and strategic partnerships for positive change.
What distinguishes your experience from the other candidate(s) in this race?
My public and private sector experience sets me apart in this race. Renowned for my negotiation skills, I am well-equipped to drive impactful change. Committed to enhancing Milwaukee's safety, public education, and economic strength, I will work diligently to transform it into a thriving economic hub. My goal is to create a community where families feel safe and the quality of life is significantly improved.
Please list any notable endorsements you’ve received in this race.
My campaign has received the candidate distinction from Moms Demand Action Gun Sense.
Russell Antonio Goodwin, Sr.'s campaign website
Deanna Alexander (Independent)
Deanna Alexander did not respond to WUWM's candidate questions. The information below is from her campaign website.
Alexander has served on the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors from 2012-2020 and 2022 to the present. She won reelection to the board in April. She has worked as a village administrator and treasurer.
Alexander says she is running as an Independent to give voters more choices.
"While I dabbled in a bit of political party politics years ago, I have found independence to be a core part of who I am and how I lead, and equally important to voters who may not necessarily always vote for just one party or who may desire more," Alexander says on her website.
In her Milwaukee County Board biography, Alexander says she grew up with an incarcerated parent and family members with addiction issues.
"Her family often had to struggle to make ends meet and she knows what it is like to lose a source of income and get tangled in bureaucracy trying figure out complex public support systems. She thrives on helping people figure out the best way to work with government or to make government work for them. In her personal life she has adopted through foster care, is a dog-mom, hits the gym near daily, and loves traveling."
Deanna Alexander's campaign website
Have questions about other candidates on your ballot? Read about the candidates in your Wisconsin Senate district here:
