HUDSON, Wis. — On Tuesday, October 13, the Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau and the River Falls Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau hosted a “Meet the Candidates” event with Democrat Kevin Knoke and five-term Republican incumbent Shannon Zimmerman, who are running in Wisconsin’s 30th Assembly District. The western Wisconsin seat is among the most competitive and consequential races in the state, as is evident in the vast sums of money Republicans are spending to keep Zimmerman in office.
“Our democracy works best when voters are able to hear directly from the candidates, and that’s what tonight was all about,” Knoke said of the event. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to lay out a positive vision for western Wisconsin, where everyone can get the health care they need without fear of going bankrupt; where Madison fully funds our public school system instead of sticking local property taxpayers with higher costs; and where we invest in a better quality of life for Main Street instead of giving tax breaks to billionaires and Big Tech. Under career politicians like Shannon Zimmerman, Wisconsin is moving in the wrong direction. With my background as an elementary school teacher, veteran, and outdoorsman, I’m a political outsider who will work to lower costs, get our state back on the right track, and ensure government works for the people it serves.”
Zimmerman, an AI tech executive who is facing a public backlash for his role in $2 billion in state tax breaks for data centers, is a major beneficiary of millions in campaign cash given to Wisconsin Republicans by three billionaires. Already, Republicans have spent more than $1.5 million on television ads in the district alone, the fifth-most spent by Republicans on television in any state Assembly race this year. Zimmerman is also facing growing criticism for missing the most votes of any member of the Assembly.
River Channel Community Access Television recorded the October 13 candidate forum and will broadcast the footage before the election. River Channel will also publish the full footage on its YouTube channel later this afternoon. Early voting begins on Tuesday, October 20. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3.
