The Democratic Party of Wisconsin is opting for an all-virtual state convention in early June.
The party went to a virtual formal in 2020 amid the pandemic, and its administrative committee over the weekend voted to continue that format for the June 5-6 convention that also includes an election for party chair.
“Our top priority is safety — and this decision reflects that, while still allowing us to build a fantastic experience for our members that reflects their energy and momentum to re-elect Governor Tony Evers in 2022 and defeat Senator Ron Johnson,” party Executive Director Nellie Sires said in a statement to WisPolitics.com.
The state GOP earlier this year told WisPolitics.com it plans to meet in person June 25-26 in the Wisconsin Dells. Last year’s GOP convention included precautions such as spacing participants and providing hand sanitizer, and the party plans similar steps at this year’s event.
Meanwhile, the state Dem Party was working on the details of how it will conduct voting for the chair’s race with a virtual convention.
State Chair Ben Wikler is expected to seek another two-year term after a record fundraising year in 2020. He told WisPolitics.com last month he is “actively planning out the next two years if I’m able to serve in this role.”
Last year’s convention included elections for members to the national committee, and the party received assistance from the DNC in conducting that vote. The state party is now looking at options for the state chair’s race.
Candidates for state chair face a May 15 deadline to file a declaration and nomination papers to run. Candidates need at least 60 signatures from dues-paying party members with a minimum of 10 signers from at least six different districts. The window to begin collecting signatures opened Sunday.
