Wisconsin politics were shaken up this year with the signing of new legislative maps, but the state’s congressional maps were not redrawn.
Author Archives: Hallie Claflin / Wisconsin Watch
Hallie Claflin joined Wisconsin Watch as a statehouse reporting intern in June 2024. She recently graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with degrees in journalism and political science. In Washington, D.C., she created visual news content as an intern at Voice of America. In Wisconsin, she aided in investigations of government, politics and law enforcement as an intern at The Badger Project. She also worked as a local beat reporter, covering race, social justice and education for Madison Commons. She is passionate about political investigations as well as solutions journalism.
Posted inForward, Government
Record-high number of school referendums held this year, but approval rates are declining
On Nov. 5, Wisconsin voters approved nearly 78% of the 138 school district referendums across the state.
Posted inGovernment
Democrats flip 14 legislative seats, affirming GOP gerrymander is dead
The Democratic gains in a strong Republican year set up a chance for them to win majorities in 2026 in Wisconsin.
Posted inForward, Government
Control of Wisconsin Assembly runs through eight competitive races
Read about the eight toss-up districts that could decide the fate of the Wisconsin Assembly.
Posted inForward, Government, Voter guide
Sheboygan Democrat makes case in previously gerrymandered district
Under new maps, first-term Republican Rep. Amy Binsfeld faces Democratic newcomer Joe Sheehan in Sheboygan’s toss-up 26th Assembly District.
Posted inForward, Government
College students could determine who wins Wisconsin — and the White House
Hundreds of thousands of college students make up a critical voting bloc in battleground Wisconsin. Democrats and Republicans are both pressing to win their votes.
Posted inForward, Government, Voter guide
A ‘referendum’ on Derrick Van Orden: House race highlights intense politicization of western Wisconsin
Control of the U.S. House of Representatives runs through a notoriously swingy region of western Wisconsin, where U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden faces a challenge from Rebecca Cooke.
Posted inChange is on the Air
Conservative talk radio continues to be a powerful political tool in Wisconsin
A powerful force in Wisconsin politics for three decades, conservative talk radio continues to wield significant influence at the state and local level.
Posted inForward, Government, Voter guide
Former lawmaker returns 20 years later to challenge GOP incumbent
Democrat Joe Plouff will challenge Rep. Clint Moses in western Wisconsin district where rural health care, child care and funding for education are among key issues.
Posted inJustice & Safety
Wisconsin prisons restrict books and mail to keep drugs out, but some staff still bring drugs in
Critics say the Wisconsin Department of Corrections is limiting prisoner access to information while wider entry points for drugs remain open.
Posted inForward, Government, Voter guide
GOP incumbent faces Democratic challenger in western Wisconsin toss-up district
In the race to represent the 30th Assembly District, Alison Page, D-River Falls, will challenge incumbent Rep. Shannon Zimmerman, R-River Falls.
Posted inForward, Government
Half of Wisconsin school districts go to referendum amid debate over state aid for public education
Come Nov. 5, nearly half of all Wisconsin school districts will have gone to referendum in 2024, asking for almost $6 billion in total from Wisconsin residents in districts scattered across the state.