Article Summary –
Democratic-backed candidates largely defeated a group of conservative contenders in the Kenosha Unified School District board election, winning three out of four seats up for grabs. The Kenosha County Democratic Party had earlier voiced concerns about the conservative candidates, some of whom were endorsed by far-right groups and had made anti-LGBTQ statements. The local Democrats also gained a 12-11 majority on the Kenosha County Board of Supervisors, previously controlled by right-wing members.
Democratic-Endorsed Candidates Secure Majority in Kenosha Unified School District Board Election
On April 2, in Wisconsin’s spring election, the majority of Democratic-supported candidates successfully defeated a range of conservative contenders for the Kenosha Unified School District board. According to unofficial results, three of the four candidates endorsed by the Kenosha County Democratic Party – Mary Modder, Todd Price, and Sabrina Landry – won seats on the political-neutral Kenosha school board.
In the battle for the four open school board seats, a single, Republican-backed candidate, Bob Tierney, emerged victorious. The Kenosha Democrats had previously expressed their concerns regarding the extremist views held by the conservative school board hopefuls, including denial of the 2020 election result and anti-LGBTQ statements.
It was highlighted that right-wing groups, Moms for Liberty and MassResistance, both noted by the Southern Poverty Law Center as extremist or hate groups, endorsed several of the candidates.
Lori Hawkins, chair of the Kenosha County Democratic Party, expressed her relief regarding the future of education in Kenosha, noting the defeat of the majority of these candidates. “We’re pleased to secure a 5-2 majority with strong, pro-public school leadership,” Hawkins said. Despite Tierney’s victory, Hawkins remained hopeful, pointing to the promising performance of Democratic-endorsed write-in candidate Robin Cullen, who garnered over 5,000 votes.
Setting their sights on the Kenosha County Board of Supervisors, local Democrats enjoyed further success, flipping control of the board. Candidates backed by the local party added four seats, while also retaining one held by a retiring progressive, resulting in a new 12-11 Democratic-led majority.
However, Kenosha’s fight against right-wing influences isn’t over, warns victorious school board incumbent, Modder. She believes these passionate opposers will return, making a stand against perceived ‘dirty books’ and ‘dirty pictures’.
While the election results for Kenosha mayor and Kenosha County circuit court judge were not as favorable for the Democrats, Hawkins believes the local victories indicate that voters are becoming more engaged and will continue to turn out for future elections.
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