The Wisconsin Working Families Party has endorsed nine Democrats seeking state office this year, backing a blend of incumbent lawmakers and primary challengers ahead of Wisconsin’s August 11 state primary.
The party announced the slate in a July 27 statement, saying it hopes to build on victories secured by candidates it supported during Wisconsin’s spring elections. Party leaders also predicted Democrats could retain the governor’s office and take control of both legislative chambers in November, arguing that, given the possibility of a Democratic trifecta, “any blue won’t do.”
“Our endorsed candidates are working people champions who will deliver transformative change to people’s lives by delivering the things that matter most – good jobs, affordable housing, accessible and affordable healthcare, and strong public schools,” said Corinne Rosen, state director of the Wisconsin Working Families Party.
The slate is led by Milwaukee Alderperson JoCasta Zamarripa, who is running for secretary of state. Zamarripa is unopposed for the Democratic nomination and is seeking to succeed incumbent Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski, who is instead running for lieutenant governor. The party also endorsed Trevor Jung for the open state Senate seat in District 21.
Its seven Assembly endorsements include incumbent Reps. Ryan Clancy in the 19th District, Angelina Cruz in the 62nd District and Ben DeSmidt in the 65th District. The party is also backing Ismael Luna against Rep. Sylvia Ortiz-Velez in the 8th District and Jordan Roman against Rep. Russell Goodwin in the 12th District, along with Josh Mittness for an open seat in the 50th District and Lawanda Chambers in the 61st District.
The endorsements also reflect the party’s current strategy in Wisconsin, where it is supporting candidates running as Democrats while working toward the restoration of fusion voting. Wisconsin permitted fusion voting from statehood until lawmakers prohibited the practice in 1897. The restriction, now reflected in state law governing double nominations, bars a candidate from appearing on the ballot more than once for the same office.
As part of that effort, the Wisconsin Working Families Party joined the Libertarian Party of Wisconsin in filing an amicus brief supporting a lawsuit originally filed by United Wisconsin and several voters against the Wisconsin Elections Commission in April 2025. The lawsuit argues that the ban violates the state constitution by restricting the ability of third parties and their members to associate with candidates of their choosing.
“The Libertarian Party of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Working Families Party often disagree on policy, but both organizations recognize that Wisconsin’s election laws should not prevent voters from expressing their political preferences through peaceful political cooperation and voluntary electoral alliances,” the Libertarian Party of Wisconsin said in a statement at the time.
The Working Families Party said it expects a decision in early 2027 but will continue laying the groundwork for its own growth in the meantime. “The work we put in now will position WI WFP to build a party by and for Wisconsin’s working people,” its statement added.
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