April 13, 2026, Madison, Wisconsin
The WisDems Disability Caucus will host a gubernatorial forum on Monday, April 20th at 6:30 pm. This virtual event will give voters an opportunity to hear from candidates and ask questions related to disability issues. Missy Hughes, Rep. Francesca Hong, Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez, Mandela Barnes, and Zachary Roper will participate. Candidates will give an opening statement followed by a question-and-answer session. The forum will be moderated by members of the Disability Caucus.
Issues like healthcare, employment, job training, and voter access effect people across the state but have a specific impact on people with disabilities. This is the only statewide forum where governor candidates will answer questions from disabled community members and address the concerns of those impacted by a disability.
Community members may submit questions to Progress@LaToyaBates.com through April 13th. Register at https://www.mobilize.us/wisdems/event/937099.
Media Contacts
LaToya Bates, MA, MEd.
Co-Chair of WisDems Disability Caucus
Progress@LaToyaBates.com
Adam Brabender BSW
Co-Chair of WisDems Disability Caucus
adambrabender1473@outlook.com
Candidate Information
Mandela Barnes is running to be Governor of Wisconsin with a pledge to expand BadgerCare on Day One, provide a public healthcare option, freeze utility rates, fully fund our public schools, and pass universal childcare.
State Representative Francesca Hong is a mom, a service industry worker, and a community organizer. Elected in 2020, she is the first Asian American State legislator in Wisconsin. Her pro-worker, pro-family, and pro-public legislative priorities include the Economic Justice Bill of Rights, Healthy School Meals for All, full funding for public schools, and universal paid leave. Her dedication to service is rooted in sharing power with working class people and building cross-racial solidarity.
Missy Hughes is the former Secretary of Economic Development for Governor Tony Evers where she helped thousands of Wisconsinites start small businesses and brought tens of thousands of jobs to Wisconsin. Now she’s running for Governor to unlock the potential of every Wisconsinite, build more housing to help Wisconsinites buy a home, invest in our public schools and universities, and stand up to the attacks on our freedoms from extreme politicians in Washington.
Sara Rodriguez is a nurse, public health expert, and problem-solver who has spent her life helping people and getting results. As Wisconsin’s 46th Lieutenant Governor, she brings more than two decades of experience in health care, public service, and executive leadership to the fight for working families across the Badger State.
Zachary Roper is a 22-year-old student, advocate, and emerging leader dedicated to public service and building stronger, more inclusive communities across Wisconsin. With a growing background in civic engagement and political organizing, Zachary is committed to making sure that every person no matter their background, ability, or zip code has a fair shot at success.
