Roadmap to 2026: Why Columbia County is the Key to Wisconsin’s Future
The start of a new year is often a time for reflection, but for the Columbia County Democrats, it is a time for strategic focus. As we look ahead to the 2026 midterms, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: the path to a progressive Wisconsin runs directly through our communities, our farmsteads, and our main streets.
In his recent New Year’s message, CoCo Dems Chair Jim Haessly shared a perspective of "cautious optimism" based on a deep dive into local election data. While 2025 was a year of transition, the numbers from our recent elections tell a story of a county that is ready for a change in direction.
The Math of Hope
When we look at the results from the 2024 and 2025 cycles, several key trends emerge in Columbia County that should energize every local organizer:
The Swing is Real: In April 2025, Justice Crawford won Columbia County by a decisive 2,157 votes. This proves that when the message is clear and the stakes are high, our neighbors are ready to support candidates who value the rule of law and personal freedoms.
The Persuadable Middle: Data shows a significant number of voters in our county—hundreds of neighbors—cast ballots for third-party candidates or split their tickets. These are people who are not satisfied with the current Republican platform but are still waiting for a compelling reason to join us.
The Narrow Gap: Whether it was the Presidential race or the U.S. Senate race, the margins in Columbia County remain thin. Just a few hundred votes can flip the script for the entire state.
Moving Beyond the “Urban Elite” Narrative
A critical part of our 2026 roadmap is changing how we talk to our community. As Communications Chair Mark Stover noted, Republicans often try to paint Democrats as “urban elites” who don't understand rural life.
To win in 2026, we must continue to dismantle this myth. We are the party that fights for local control over large-scale developments, defends family farms against the "get big or get out" mentality of corporate monopolies, and protects the groundwater our families drink.
Your 45-Second Mission
Democracy isn't just about what happens at the ballot box; it’s about the conversations we have at the grocery store, the library, and over coffee. Jim Haessly has issued a challenge to every member of the CoCo Dems: Prepare your 45-second message.
If you had less than a minute to tell a neighbor why you vote Democratic, what would you say? Focus on the values that hit home:
Safety and Fairness: Protecting victims' rights and ensuring our courts treat everyone equally.
Economic Autonomy: Supporting small-scale processing so farmers can get a fair price for their labor.
Community Integrity: Ensuring local residents, not outside corporations, have the final say on land use.
Join the Movement
We are in a strong position to move Wisconsin forward, but nothing is guaranteed. We need organizers, writers, and neighbors to step up. Whether you join our monthly meetings (like the one this Saturday, Jan. 10) or help us with our new podcast, Columbia County Progress, your voice is the engine of this campaign.
We can do hard things. Let’s get to work and make 2026 the year Wisconsin returns to its progressive roots.