MADISON, Wis. — Former Madison Alder Juliana Bennett announced today that her campaign for Wisconsin State Assembly District 76 has been endorsed by the national organization of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). 

The endorsement comes amid a series of victories by DSA-endorsed candidates such as Darializa Avila Chevalier, Claire Valdez, and Melat Kiros in Democratic primaries across the country and reflects growing momentum behind Bennett’s campaign in Madison.

“People are tired of living paycheck to paycheck while politicians protect the status quo,” Bennett said. “Our campaign is proving that when working-class people organize, we can build the power needed to take on the political insiders and win. Hundreds of volunteers have knocked thousands of doors because Madisonians are ready for a representative who will fight for affordable housing, universal childcare, taxing the millionaires to fully fund our schools, and a government that works for everyday people.”

A graduate of Madison Metropolitan School District and the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Bennett is the daughter of a working-class family and currently serves as a caregiver to an aging parent.

During her time on the Madison Common Council, Bennett authored the legislation to legalize duplexes citywide, supported the approval of more than 1,000 units of affordable housing, secured millions of dollars for homeless services and undocumented communities, helped deliver fair municipal maps, and advocated for working families across Madison.

Madison Area Democratic Socialists of America said the following: 

“From the moment Juliana launched her campaign, it was clear that working people across Madison’s Northside, Eastside, and Isthmus were ready for a fighter. Madison Area DSA unanimously recommended Juliana for national endorsement because she has never been afraid to take on powerful interests and stand alongside tenants, workers, students, and everyday people fighting for a better future.

This endorsement is about more than one campaign, it’s about building a stronger worker-led socialist movement in Wisconsin and proving that when ordinary people organize, we can win. Juliana represents the next generation of leadership our movement needs, and we’re excited to help send her to the State Assembly.

The energy behind this campaign is real, and it’s growing every day. We’re proud to stand with Juliana Bennett and we’re ready to organize, knock doors, and do what it takes to win on August 11.”

Bennett is the only candidate in the race with experience working in the city hall, Wisconsin state capitol, and US Congress.

“I keep fighting because I know what it feels like when the system fails,” Bennett said. “Wisconsin doesn’t need more politicians who are comfortable with the way things are. We need fighters who are willing to challenge the status quo and deliver real results for working people.”

Assembly District 76 covers most of Madison’s Northside, Eastside, and Isthmus and is currently represented by Representative Francesca Hong, who is vacating the seat to run for Governor. 

Learn more about the campaign or contribute at julianabennett.com. 

Contact hello@julianabennett.com with any questions.