MADISON, WI – Over the weekend, Senate Democratic Leader Dianne Hesselbein joined WISN’s ‘UpFront’ program to lay out Senate Democrats’ path to a majority in 2026. Making it clear that Democratic State Senators and candidates are committed to strengthening Wisconsin’s economy and have their eyes set on winning the first Democratic majority in over 10 years.
Takeaways from Sen. Hesselebein’s ‘UpFront’ appearance:
- After picking up four seats in 2024, Senate Democrats are now two seats away from a majority – making the Wisconsin State Senate the most flippable legislative chamber in the country.
- The most competitive Senate Districts in Wisconsin; SD-5, SD-17, and SD-21 are currently represented by Republican legislators. However, over the last few years all three of these districts were won by President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, Senator Tammy Baldwin, and Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Susan Crawford.
- Senate Democrats will campaign on their commitment to growing and strengthening Wisconsin’s economy. From cutting the cost of healthcare, childcare, energy, housing, and groceries to ensuring that Wisconsin’s tax system is fair so that the budget isn’t balanced on the backs of the working class.
- Senator Hesselbein made it clear that there are ongoing negotiations in the state’s upper chamber on legislation to legalize medical marijuana. An issue that is overwhelmingly supported by Democrats, Republicans, and Independents.
- Sen. Hesselbein also admonished Representative Robin Vos for claiming that a medical marijuana bill would not pass. Insisting that when there is bipartisan and public support, it is the legislature’s duty to hold hearings and work towards a solution.
Watch Senator Hesselbein’s Full Interview HERE
