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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The U.S. Supreme Court has recently issued pivotal rulings that significantly alter the landscape of the Voting Rights Act (VRA), moving from a period of protection to new, stricter interpretations of racial representation.

April was volunteer appreciation month. We give them thanks here.

The Executive Committee has been diligently working to update the party Constitution and has arrived at a proposed revision posted here (and elsewhere on the website). The first reading and discussion of the changes will take place on at the May 9, 2026 2026 membership meeting. Please do your best to review ahead of time so that the discussion can be as productive as possible.

Our volunteer spotlight for May falls on Bill Lubing. Busy with the CoCo Dems Update blog and other activities, you’ll usually see him with a camera in one hand and one of Mary Ellen’s brownies in the other.

Come join us to Get Out the vote for Chris Taylor this Spring. We’ll be out this Monday and Tuesday, April 6 and 7. Find out how and why it’s so important inside.

The Democratic National Committee recently appointed Morgan Hine as National Training Director. Hine, a veteran organizer from Idaho, now leads a newly independent department focused on professionalizing the Democratic talent pipeline. Through intensive bootcamps and localized support, the program aims to equip the next generation of staffers and candidates with the high-level technical skills and leadership training necessary to win across the 2026 election cycle.

Canvassing is the most effective way to win elections. CoCo Dems is canvassing this coming Saturday, April 4. Read about why you might consider joining us.

Here is a list of candidates in contested Columbia County Board of Supervisor races. We also have a simple sidebar explaining why this is an important position that affects the wellbeing of citizens of Columbia County.

The No Kings Caravan of March 28, 2026 is certainly one for the history books. From Lodi to Montello, and concluding in Portage, area citizens showed their true patriotism and love of country. And CoCo Dems volunteer RDell Johnson was there to capture it all. We thank him for all of the wonderful photos and for sharing them with us.

CoCo Dems Chair Jim Haessly presents a long list of opportunities to get involved with the organization in this quick read.