Wisconsin Democracy Campaign's press releases and special reports cover issues central to our mission, including campaign fundraising, political corruption and more.
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April 25, 2025
MADISON, WI – As organizations committed to protecting democracy, civil rights, and equal justice in Wisconsin, we are deeply troubled by the news of Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan’s arrest by federal agents at the courthouse.
Posted: April 11, 2025
Updated: April 14, 2025
MADISON – Wisconsin Democracy Campaign released a statewide poll finding that an overwhelming majority of Wisconsin voters are concerned about the influence of money in politics and express support for reforms aimed at curbing the spending free-for-all by billionaires and corporations in our elections.
Posted: April 1, 2025
Updated: April 4, 2025
MADISON – In response to the record-breaking money in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race, Wisconsin Democracy Campaign Executive Director Nick Ramos released the following statement:
“Today should be a breaking point for our state. Even if your preferred candidate wins – no matter if you’re liberal, conservative, or independent – every single Wisconsinite should be alarmed at this grotesque billionaire arms race.
March 27, 2025
With less than a week to go before Wisconsinites cast their ballots in the April 1 General Election, momentum and money are surging across the state. Voters will decide two high-stakes contests: a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court and the next State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
March 12, 2025
With under three weeks until the April 1 Wisconsin Supreme Court and School Superintendent election, candidates and special interest groups have spent almost $37 million as of Wednesday morning.
March 6, 2025
MADISON, WI – The Wisconsin Democracy Campaign today reaffirmed its commitment to election integrity and transparency following reports that 193 absentee ballots in the City of Madison were left uncounted in the 2024 presidential election. This situation underscores the need for continued improvements in election administration to ensure that every valid vote is counted and every voter’s voice is heard.
March 5, 2025
With the latest numbers, independent expenditures for the November 2024 Wisconsin legislative elections surpassed predictions, totaling more than $16.6 million.
Posted: February 28, 2025
Updated: March 14, 2025
The Wisconsin Supreme Court candidates have collected millions in donations from wealthy individuals, PACS, and Wisconsin state parties as of February.
Posted: February 25, 2025
Updated: February 26, 2025
According to their most recent campaign finance reports, the two Wisconsin Supreme Court candidates have already spent a combined $6.84 million, far exceeding the $1.76 million spent approaching a 4-way primary in the record-breaking 2023 Wisconsin Supreme Court race. Liberal candidate Susan Crawford has raised nearly $7.4 million and spent over $4.2 million while conservative candidate Brad Schimel has pulled in more than $4.9 million and spent about half with $2.5 million. Read more on the candidates' financial activity here.
Looking back on 2024 and its major political milestones, the fall presidential election is likely the first thing that comes to mind—especially in Wisconsin, where every election cycle carries national significance. As a key swing state, Wisconsin played a critical role in determining the next president. But beyond the presidential race, voters also elected a U.S. Senator, local and state officials, and weighed in on one constitutional amendment question.
*remarks from Nick Ramos at Feb. 4 press conference
Good morning, and thank you all for being here today.
My name is Nick Ramos and I am the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign which has been tracking and exposing the money in Wisconsin politics for 30 years.
Today, the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign is taking action to hold accountable those who seek to undermine public trust in our courts. We are filing a formal ethics complaint with the Wisconsin Judicial Commission against Judge Brad Schimel for conduct that we believe blatantly violates Wisconsin’s Supreme Court Rules and the Code of Judicial Conduct.
At a time when faith in our democracy and our institutions is at stake, Wisconsinites deserve judges who uphold the highest ethical standards—not those who openly mock them.
January 21, 2025
It’s been 15 years since the ruling in Citizens United v FEC, and U.S. elections and Wisconsin politics have transformed into a profoundly more oligarchical system. Ruled by the few ultra-wealthy and for the few ultra-wealthy, this ruling opened the floodgates for those who have the means to pay to dictate election outcomes and influence politicians.
Posted: November 1, 2024
Updated: January 8, 2025
Both major political parties in Wisconsin have made substantial use of their campaign funds, highlighting the significant role of fundraising in this cycle.
January 8, 2025
Testimony of Nick Ramos, Executive Director, Before the Assembly Committee on Campaigns and Elections in Opposition to AJR1/SJR2 Requiring Photo ID to Vote in Any Election
Posted: October 25, 2024
Updated: October 28, 2024
With early voting in full swing, most Wisconsinites know an election is on the horizon. In less than two weeks, voters will head to the polls, absentee ballots will be counted, and new legislators will assume office. One key question presented to Wisconsin voters on the November ballot is an amendment to the Wisconsin Constitution with a stated intent to “prohibit the state and local governments from allowing noncitizens to vote."
October 21, 2024
With state and federal elections fast approaching, political ads are inundating Wisconsinites through TV, radio, social media, and mailings.
October 8, 2024
As of this morning, outside electioneering groups have already spent over $8.9 million in Wisconsin's 2024 fall state legislative elections. With a month to go until the November 5th elections, this smashes the previous record of $8.84 million in disclosed independent spending set during legislative elections in 2020.
October 2, 2024
Wausau residents joined voting rights advocates to demand a formal federal investigation and an end to the voter suppression attempts following Wausau mayor’s unauthorized removal of the city’s ballot drop box.
September 5, 2024
Candidates and fundraising committees are aggressively raising money for the upcoming November election with $15.84 million collected in the first six months of 2024.
September 4, 2024
Thirteen organizations reported independent expenditures exceeding $1 million in the fall legislative elections through the August 13th primaries, a review by the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign shows.
August 14, 2024
MADISON, WI–Wisconsin Democracy Campaign is proud to join the Wisconsin Fair Maps Coalition in fighting back against the conservative power grab on our rights–ultimately leading our efforts to safeguard our constitution.
August 6, 2024
The Democratic Party of Wisconsin outraised the state Republican Party by more than 10 times in the first six months of 2024.
July 22, 2024
Kwik Trip lobbied and paid state legislators in order to persuade them to accept federal money to expand electric vehicle charging. According to the Department of Transportation, the state is set to release $23 million for EV charging infrastructure.
July 1, 2024
As the 4th of July holiday approaches, it is a time of reflection.
June 27, 2024
Testimony of Nick Ramos, Executive Director, Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, before the Wisconsin Elections Commission (WEC) on June 27.