The Wisconsin Fair Maps Coalition, alongside advocacy partners like the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign and the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin is launching a coordinated statewide day of action on Thursday, June 4, 2026. The "Our Maps, Our Say" rallies will bring the public's demand for fair maps straight to the Legislature's doorstep.

A new local organization, Lodi Forward, is being introduced in the community as an inclusive group focused on civic engagement and local participation.

The Democratic Party of Wisconsin (WisDems)is hiring a full-time 72 County Coordinator to support local party units in Wisconsin’s 2nd, 5th, or 6th Congressional Districts. The role focuses on helping county and local party organizations grow through training, communication, coordination, membership support, candidate recruitment, and distribution of campaign materials.

In this Columbia County Progress podcast episode, viewers hear a detailed conversation about CAFOs—concentrated animal feeding operations—and the questions they raise for local communities.

The discussion does not present this as a simple fight between “farm” and “anti-farm.” Instead, it focused on how to support agriculture while also protecting water, public health, nearby residents, and the long-term quality of life in Columbia County and across Wisconsin.

This is a great book for understanding the most troubling parts of our societal fracture, how they came to be, and what steps each of us can take to heal the moment.

One of the most effective ways to win elections is also one of the most personal: talking with people you already know. That strategy is called friend banking, and it is a simple, powerful form of relational organizing. On Wednesday, June 10, from 5:00-6:30, CoCo Dems will host a Friend Bank Training at the CoCoDems Office, 315 DeWitt St, Portage to help volunteers learn how to put that strategy into action.

This is the place to go for quick visual postings of important events about and around the CoCo Dems.

A plain-language summary of an update from Wisconsin Fair Maps Coalition volunteer organizer Nicole Gabrail on the coalition’s plan for an Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) to bust up gerrymandered districts in Wisconsin. Article and video derived from her March 14, 2026 presentation at the CoCo Dems monthly meeting.

What was originally supposed to be one piece in the Watertown High School Wind Symphony’s spring concert became something much bigger: A community statement about art, inclusion, and the refusal to let fear-driven politics silence students’ work. Watch the video and read our article about the issue by reading more.

At a recent meeting with a small group of CoCo Dem members, Nick Oestreich, Regional Organizing Coordinator from the Democratic Party of Wisconsin laid out a clear challenge for all of us: if we want to win, we have to get better at talking with people who are still reachable. That means moving beyond frustration and into action. Nick’s message was practical and energizing: stop wasting precious time trying to “win” arguments with the loudest extremists, and focus instead on the voters we can actually move—independents, disaffected Republicans, inconsistent Democrats, and people in our own networks.

On Saturday, May 23 we’re calling on members, volunteers, and supporters to join us as we head into Columbia County communities to help Democratic candidates collect the nomination signatures they need to get on the ballot. This is where campaign season truly begins: With conversations at the door, energy in our neighborhoods, and people coming together to build something bigger than themselves.

Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate Missy Hughes was not able to attend the April 11 CoCo Dems Candidate Forum because of a death in the family. She visited the organization's headquarters on May 14, 2026 to participate in a town hall type of presentation.

This gave CoCo Dem members an opportunity to hear Hughes' ideas and to ask her questions. CoCo Dems 1st Vice Chair Ann Groves-Lloyd Introduced Hughes and 2nd Vice Chair Mark Stover moderated the event.

The CoCo Dems will be hosting a town hall with Q&A period for Missy Hughes, Democratic gubernatorial candidate for WI on Thursday, May 14 from 2 to 3:30 pm at the organization’s headquarters at 315 DeWitt St, Portage, WI.

From The Lincoln Project and Rick Wilson’s Against All Enemies, we present Wilson’s “The elephant in the room.” From one of the stalwart defenders of democracy and anti-Trump crusaders, Wilson’s sometimes coarse language reveals one of the greatest minds working to unseat Trump and preserve our democracy. In this recent episode that means stern words from Wilson for the Democrats along with sound strategies for them from this long-time political insider.

Speaking to members of the Democratic Party of Columbia County Wisconsin at its May 9 monthly meeting, Democratic State Treasurer candidate Dylan Helmenstine centered his remarks on a simple theme: Wisconsin needs a state government that is transparent, dependable, and focused on helping local communities thrive.

Here is the photo gallery from the April 25 CoCo Dems Annual Dinner. Photos by Gary Peroutka and Bill Lubing. Enjoy!

Senator Erin P. Murphy delivered a powerful, deeply personal call to action grounded in democracy, courage, and community. Speaking as a Wisconsin native and Minnesota Majority Leader, she connected her family roots, nursing career, and political journey to the values that shape Democratic organizing: standing up for people, doing the hard work, and believing change is possible.

Here is the listing and information about CoCo Dems events this month and beyond (at least what we’re aware of).

The deadlines are approaching to register. Help elect democratic lawmakers and shape the positions and future of the party by becoming a delegate to the Sixth Congressional District and/or the Wisconsin Democratic Party State Convention.

Have you heard folks talking about getting Neighborhood Action Teams (NAT) started around the county? Maybe at one of the recent monthly membership meetings? Let me tell you about the NAT running in Columbus. I hope you’ll want to get something started near you.