Planning for 2026

Whether we are talking about our health care, or our schools, or the role of the USA in foreign affairs, or even matters of ethics from our current leaders, our political system has let us down.

While much of our attention is focused on Washington and Madison, we recognize that the Democratic Party of Oneida County (DPOC) must also focus on local races and issues. We play a role in the election of town officers, county officials, our local judges, the Wisconsin Supreme Court, other statewide offices oncluding the Attorney General, Secretary of State, Superintendent of Public Instruction, and the election of our Senators and Representatives at the national level. We also have a role in the election of the state Assembly and Senate. We will likely have four opportunities in 2026 to exercise our right to vote for our leaders. And we have work to do in preparation for these upcoming elections.

Local Party Leadership

DPOC is an all-volunteer organization that works in coordination with the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, the Democratic National Committee, and the campaign committees of Democratic and progressive candidates in non-partisan elections. We are always looking for new volunteers sto make calls, knock doors, help raise funds for candidates and local party initiatives, and fill leadership positions in the local party. (Election of DPOC officers will happen at our December meeting.)

Please consider becoming involved with your local Democratic Party. Feel free to contact any member of the Executive Committee if you would like to learn more about how you can help.

Candidate Recruitment

Local non-partisan races for school boards, town boards, county board, and judgeships are one of our most pressing current challenges. Finding good candidates is hard. These races are often the first races for new candidates, and helping identify and raising the visibility of thesde new candidates ios very much a "hands on" experience.

You may want to consider running for your first office, or maybe you have been impressed with one of your neighbors that you might encourage to seek local office.

Democrats and progressives can't win when we don't have a contestant in a race. Responsive and responsible governance starts with these races, and we are currently trying to find candidates. If you are interested in running for one of these offices, or have an idea for a good candidate, please let us know.

Local Messaging Initiatives

DPOC has several messaging initiatives that are locally conceived and funded. In past years we have supported letters to the editor, advertising in local papers, yard signs and billboards with a focus on issues of importance to Oneida County voters. Creative energy and donations in support of messaging are always welcome!

Candidate Support

Candidates run their own campaigns, but they turn to DPOC for help with volunteers, messaging strategies, and funding for their campaigns. We support candidates with literature distribution, canvassing help, and office support. We have a well-trained and eager group of volunteers that can help candidates connect with Oneida County voters.

How Can You Help?

If you are convinced that our political system is failing to meet the needs of your family and your neighbors, please consider getting involved in the work of getting better candidates into office.

To get in touch with us, you can call our office at 715 420-0457.

The Executive Committee of the Democratic Party of Oneida County

Watch for new messages here from the DPOC.

Next Tuesday's Primary - Vote for Kyle and "no" on the Proposed Constitutional Amendments

 Oneida County residents will have two constitutional amendment proposals on the ballot on August 13, and one contested primary race. 

The constitutional amendments are designed to strip the Governor of his power to distribute funding received by the state without prior action from the legislature. The Democratic Party of Oneida County, the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, and the Governor's Office all recommend a "no" vote on both of these amendments. There are two major problems with these amendments. First, it inhibits the prompt distribution of emergency funds when the State receives emergency funding to help deal with natural disasters or other forms of federal aid. 

Second, this is a blatant partisan effort to change the powers of the Wisconsin governor. The current strategy for dealing with these kind of funds was generally seen as fine when the office was held by a Republican. When the governorship changed parties, it then seemed an appropriate time to the Republican dominated legislature to change the rules. This rule change is an extension of what started when Walker lost the governorship.

The contested race on the Democratic primary ballot is the race for the 7th Congressional District, for the seat currently held by one of the most MAGA-deranged member of the House of Representatives, Tom Tiffany. Kyle Kilbourn, a resident of Oneida County and an active member of the Democratic Party of Oneida County has been extremely active for the last year or so in meeting with members of the 22 Democratic County parties that comprise the current 7th Congressional District. He was endorsed by the 7th Congressional District at their recent convention (held in Rhinelander on April 13).

The Democratic Party of Oneida County recommends a vote for Kyle. 

And I too am proud to endorse Kyle's candidacy.

Sensible Solutions for Northwoods Families or More Political Nonsense?

 Almost everyone I talk to is pretty much tuned out of politics right now, and as someone living in Oneida County year around, I can understand why:

• It's summer in the Northwoods, and there are so many pleasant distractions, including our families and friends, the beauty of our environment, and the joys of finally having good weather.
• It has been a never ending stream of discouraging political news out of Washington.
• A sense of helplessness about improving the state of politics.

As chair of the Democratic Party of Oneida County, I can assure you that even those of us who are highly involved in politics on most days have grown weary of the situation. But it is a new political season, and we are seeing signs of new life, and I believe there is good reason to believe that things are changing for the better.

The local Democratic Party is a long way from Madison, and even further from Washington DC. Much of our attention and energy is focussed on local issues and races, and the low-level business of raising the visibility of candidates with yard signs and sponsoring meet and greets for our candidates.

We have candidates for all of our local races this year, and we are hoping that Northwoods voters have had enough of elected officials who don't represent the needs and values of their constituents. I hope you will take a close look at our candidates.

And please take some time to enjoy the beauty and wonder of the Northwoods.