MADISON, Wis. —  As the first woman of color to run in a contested race for Dane County Circuit Court Branch One Judge, my losing campaign that concluded on April 7 has taught me profound and lasting lessons.

In Dane County, we often take pride in being a progressive and diverse community, but we cannot ignore the disparities that persist. Black residents are arrested at significantly higher rates than white residents, despite making up a small percentage of the population. Survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault face steep barriers to obtaining protection through the courts. And when people of color are victims, particularly when those responsible are wealthy or well-connected, transparency and accountability are too often lacking.

These patterns are not accidents. They reflect a system that still struggles to deliver justice equitably.

And, yet, I remain hopeful.

Change begins when people demand ownership over the systems that govern their lives. It begins when communities, especially communities of color assert that our courts must serve everyone, not just the powerful.

During this campaign, I expected opposition from across the aisle. What I did not anticipate was resistance from within the Democratic Party itself. Too often, institutions that claim to champion diversity fall into patterns of tokenism elevating a few voices while sidelining broader movements for structural change.

In this race, that reality became clear. Efforts were made behind the scenes to influence endorsements, to pressure local leaders, and to shape the outcome in favor of a preferred candidate. These actions raise important questions about who truly holds power, and whose voices are heard within our political system.

At its core, this campaign stood for a simple but powerful idea: Our courts belong to the people. No political party, elected official or institution should dictate who serves as judge. That decision belongs to the voters.

This campaign began out of deep concern about government overreach, about the erosion of judicial independence, and about communities living in fear. It was fueled by the belief that our legal system must do better, and that the people most impacted by it must have a voice in shaping it.

Throughout this journey, I was inspired by the next generation of leaders in Dane County: leaders who are unafraid to challenge entrenched systems and demand something better. I was equally moved by the many community members, across backgrounds, who made space for this conversation and engaged with these ideas.

I am deeply grateful to those who paved the way: Judge Paul Higginbotham, Mandela Barnes, Francesa Hong, Dana Pellebon, Nasra Wehelie, Samba Baldeh and Mayor Julia Aratta-Fratta. Your leadership made this moment possible. I am also grateful for the courageous organizations and their members that endorsed me, many of whom faced intense pressure not to, including the the Building and Construction Trades Council of South Central Wisconsin, Voces de la Frontera Action, Dane Dems, and The Cap Times. 

And to the tens of thousands of supporters across Dane County, from Madison to its smallest towns — thank you. I see you. I hear you. I carry your support with me.

We did not win this election. But we did something meaningful. We opened a door. We created space. We helped build a path for the next person who will step forward to challenge the system and push it toward justice.

That is how change happens — step by step, voice by voice, generation by generation.

And one day, all of us will be heard.