A view of the nature being decimated by the present administration's driven need to destroy and exploit the natural resources of our country.

Over 150 people filled the auditorium of the Portage Center for the Performing Arts this past Saturday, April 11 to hear six candidates in our Gubernatorial Candidate Forum. It was a high energy, high enthusiasm affair with issues and solutions in no short supply. We provide the full video for you in this Update.

Topics covered in today’s Politics Chat: Special elections shift toward Democrats, Wisconsin Supreme Court progressive majority, Republican retirements from the House, Iran war fallout and Strait of Hormuz closure, Trump's ceasefire declaration and unraveling ten-point plan, Pete Hegseth's account of servicemen deaths challenged, Trump attacks on Tucker Carlson and MAGA allies, Sandy Hook hoax reversal, Melania Trump's Epstein press conference, U.S. threat against the Vatican, Viktor Orban's Hungary election and JD Vance visit, and Democrats' push for a congressional Iran war vote.

The Saturday, April 11 Wisconsin Gubernatorial Candidate Forum hosted by the CoCo Dems will be held at the Portage Center for the Arts, 301 E. Cook St., Portage, WI. The program begins at 10 am with refreshments served afterwards.

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.

Hyperscale Data Centers have been in the news lately, so we wanted to learn more about them. Why are communities fighting against them? What are the environmental impacts? Who pays for these data centers? What we learned will likely surprise and concern you.

We present the introductory podcast and first two of the three installments in this post.

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.

It’s been busy at the office. If you’re interested in helping out, read on!

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.

The CoCo Dems is hosting a debate watch party on Thursday, April 2 featuring Judge Chris Taylor and Judge Maria Lazar, each vying for an open position on the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

While shown above in the corn, volunteer Philipp Veselovsky is anything but corny.

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.

There is a clear contrast on the positions of Judge Chris Taylor and Judge Maria Lazar in their approach to corporate accountability. We draw those distinctions using a few touchstone indicators and each candidate’s relationship to them.

Don’t take our word for it, take hers. Six quick looks at Judge Chris Taylor, candidate for the WI Supreme Court. With the April 7 election almost here, those in doubt of the need to support and vote for Judge Chris Taylor should hear what she has to say in these short snippets from her January 10, 2026 visit to the CoCo Dems monthly meeting.

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

From Issues and Action to engaging our youth, there is plenty going on in this month of October.

Above photo and associated video © 2026 Heather Cox Richardson. All Rights Reserved.

A Senate battle over the SAVE America Act raises urgent questions about voting rights and democratic norms. Historian Heather Cox Richardson and Senator Alex Padilla explain what’s at stake—and how it’s being fought.

Yee Leng Xiong brings a message of accountability and service to the race for WI State Treasurer. He spoke at the CoCo Dems March 14 monthly meeting.