Although I will not have the privilege of voting in the 80th Congressional District on August 13, I want to highlight this race for seats in the Wisconsin State Assembly as an example of how we continue to undermine democracy and perpetuate discriminatory practices in society.
Tens of thousands of former voters who are new to the 80th District (due to recently redrawn districts) never had a chance to vote for the candidate running as an “incumbent.” Madison Common Council member Nasra Wehelie is also running for the 80th District. Both candidates have strong progressive records, exceptional skills, and relevant experience. Both candidates have the support of numerous people who know them best because they have worked with them. Both candidates deserve to be in the race.
Yet Wehelie is on the ballot despite repeated pressure and outright calls from Wisconsin Democratic Party leadership to resign. Wehelie has also been denied access to more detailed voter information and other forms of assistance by party leadership. Why? Because the party apparently doesn’t like seeing Democratic challengers to Democrats in office. This—as one Democrat currently in the Assembly described to me—is a party “rule.” Just a statement. But it’s also a path to less, not more, diversity in the Wisconsin State Assembly. Moreover, it’s a great example of how structural racism works. In my eyes, telling someone to sit down and wait their turn is even more offensive when they’re a woman, a person of color, or both—all groups that are underrepresented in our legislatures and against whom coercive and disenfranchising policies are rapidly spreading.
Encouraging competent, dedicated people who are committed to the hard work of solving complex societal problems to run for political office has never been more important. I understand the strategy of rallying around a single candidate in a two-party race. But in primaries and intraparty elections, both parties should encourage more people to run and let voters choose who should represent them, not private organizations that command significant campaign resources.
I recommended Nasra Wehelie for the Wisconsin State Assembly because I have witnessed her tenacity in working to bring people together to find solutions to complex problems. She seeks out, listens to, and genuinely considers input from others. She is a critical thinker and a hard worker who loves people, adores her family, and is passionate about democracy in its purest form and the pursuit of equality and justice. Her commitment to quality education for all youth, women’s rights, economic stability, sustainability, and social justice is evident in her accomplishments to date and will continue to be evident in the State Assembly.
Her personal business is also focused on infusing systems and organizations with empathy and equity. She walks this path in the personal, professional, and public aspects of her life. We need someone who will see injustices and inequities right under her nose, challenge them, and bring solutions to the table to address those injustices. I hope the voters of the 80th District will take the time to learn more about her and consider her as their representative.
