MILWAUKEE, WI July 15, 2020 — Between January and June of 2020, the Deb Andraca for State Assembly campaign raised $70,621.81 and is reporting more than $92,000 in cash-on-hand, a huge number for a first-time candidate.
“From the very beginning, voters in our district have strongly supported our campaign,” said Andraca. “First we received more than 1,000 signatures in April when we only needed 200 to get on the ballot. Now voters are donating generously to help us win in November. Our message of a safer, smarter, healthier Wisconsin is clearly resonating with constituents who are tired of Assembly leaders not listening to the people they represent.”
The 23rd assembly district is considered a must-win by Republicans and Democrats alike. In 2018 Jim Ott won narrowly 48-51%. Hillary Clinton won the district in 2016 when Ott ran unopposed. Most political forecasts list the 23rd district as one of very few “purple” districts in the entire state, making it a top target because Governor Evers’ veto powers are at stake. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos has said his goal is to increase the number of Assembly Republicans from the current 63 to 67, which would be enough to override the governor’s vetoes. Republicans currently hold a 19-14 majority in the Senate.
“Wisconsin’s gerrymandered political map makes it incredibly difficult to defeat any Republican incumbent,” explained Erin Stilp, Andraca campaign director. “Of course money does not equal votes, which is why we won’t stop until we win on November 3rd. Our campaign’s success clearly demonstrates that voters are demanding change in 2020.” Andraca is not facing a primary challenger in the August 11th primary election.
The 23rd assembly district includes the northern Milwaukee suburbs of Whitefish Bay, Fox Point, Bayside, eastern Mequon, Thiensville and Grafton.
About Deb: Deb Andraca is running for Wisconsin State Assembly to make our communities safer, smarter and healthier. Deb was previously a vice president at a global PR firm, an environmental lobbyist, and a press secretary for a successful Congressional campaign. After being a stay-at-home mom for several years, Deb earned her teacher’s license through Alverno College and works as a substitute teacher at Bruce Guadalupe Community School and in the Whitefish Bay School District. An active community volunteer, Deb was PTO president at her daughters’ school, a fundraiser chair for the Urban Ecology Center, and a Girl Scout leader. Most recently, Deb became a Milwaukee leader for Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense after experiencing a terrifying lockdown drill while teaching. She has a master’s degree in political management from George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in public relations and political science from Syracuse University. A district resident for 17 years, Deb has two daughters at Whitefish Bay High School and has been married to Marc for 21 years.
