Support Fred Clark's Campaign for Congress!

The Fred Clark campaign has a well organized and productive phone bank system setup. It's volunteers are supporting Fred Clark appearances and events by calling local democrats and independents in the event area. They’ve greatly improved turnout!

Fred, a very approachable and genuine guy, is successfully connecting with these crowds. Learn about him at https://www.clarkforwi.com

To make calls to help support Fred's campaign, please contact Ellen Lafans at ehlafans@gmail.com. She is the volunteer coordinating these event-related phone banks. Experienced phone bankers will have no trouble fitting right in because Ellen is using the same computer-based system we used here for the spring elections. If there is enough local interest we’ll do a training here at our office in Rice Lake. 

Campaign Signs are Here!

The mid-term election is only seven weeks away. We are proud to have some amazing Democratic candidates who will ensure our democracy survives. Help us spread the word by sporting yard signs for one or all of our candidates! Here are the yard signs available:

• David Crowley for Governor
• Fred Clark for US Congress
• Jeff Foster for State Senate
• Indiana Thompson for State Legislature

We have six "hubs" around Barron County where people can pick up candidate yard signs. Use this link to see who to contact or to request home delivery. If you have a site suitable for a larger sign use this form to let us know. 

https://forms.gle/NWaaiqrUBteZAGPU8

Be a part of the Blue Wave!

Forward for Wisconsin Tour Dates

After an exciting election night we finally have our candidates for Governor, Treasurer, and 7th Congressional District. And now that we know who is on the ballot it is important that we get as many people as possible engaged!

It is going to take everyone, and the best way to get plugged in is to attend a Forward for Wisconsin Tour stop! Sign-up is required. The links to sign up for the most convenient locations for us up north 

• Friday the 14th at 3PM in Eau Claire

• Friday the 14th at 5:30PM in Hudson

• Saturday the 15th at 9AM in Superior

• Saturday the 15th at 10:30AM in Ashland

• Saturday the 15th at 3:30PM in Rhinelander

• Saturday the 15th at 5PM in Wausau

Please share these links with your email lists, friends, and family, so we can show up for the candidates and help push all our amazing Democratic nominees over the line! 

 

For Your Information on Voting

Meet the Three Democratic Candidates for 7th Congressional District Seat 

Chris Armstrong, Fred Clark and Ginger Murray will vie for the Democratic nomination for Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District in the Aug. 11 fall primary. 

Challengers Chris Armstrong, Fred Clark and Ginger Murray will compete for the Democratic nomination for Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in the Aug. 11 fall primary election. 

U.S. representatives serve two-year terms. The candidate who receives the most votes will appear as the Democratic candidate in the Nov. 3 general election. 

Current Wisconsin 7th Congressional District Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-Minocqua) is not seeking reelection to this office as he is seeking election to the office of Wisconsin governor. Five candidates are currently vying for the Republican nomination for Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District seat in the Aug. 11 fall primary election. 

To learn more about registering to vote and to find your polling place, visit My Vote Wisconsin. 

USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin asked each of the candidates to address important issues in the district and why they are running for the position. 

Chris Armstrong 

Residence: New Richmond 

Age: 60 

Occupation and education: I grew up on the Apple River, north of Star Prairie in Polk County, and went to school in Amery. Went to college at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and University of Minnesota-Twin Cities to earn a bachelor of science degree in astrophysics. I raised both of my kids in New Richmond, where I currently live with wife Diana. For 30 years, I have been the owner of a small business in the IT industry with offices in Hudson and New Richmond. 

Relevant experience: I’m just a normal guy who grew up here, raised my family here and started my own business here. My qualifications are that I’m a longtime, everyday Wisconsin resident who is fed up with the status quo. My job as an enterprise architect is to bring together disparate groups of stakeholders, work to a common understanding of the problem and then collaborate to come up with the optimal solution that best meets the needs of everyone, in the face of overwhelming complexity and a continually changing landscape. 

Campaign website/Facebook page: https://armstrongforwisconsin.com and Chris Armstrong for Congress on Facebook 

Fred Clark 

Residence: Bayfield 

Age: 67 

Occupation and education: Retired forester 

Relevant experience: As a forester and land manager I’ve spent years working outdoors in all seasons throughout Wisconsin. As a longtime business owner and employer, organizational executive and volunteer leader, I’ve led teams and helped people solve problems and perform at their best. As a rural state legislator, I’ve worked hard to tackle challenges at home and support people from all walks of life and politics. I’m the only candidate of either party with prior experience as an elected representative, and I will bring that experience to the people of the 7th Congressional District on day one after I take office. 

Campaign website/Facebook page: clarkforwi.com and Fred Clark for WI on Facebook 

Ginger Murray 

Residence: New Lisbon 

Age: 56 

Occupation and education: Attorney and small business owner of Your Family Law Center. Bachelor's degree in behavioral science and law from the University of Wisconsin-Madison; Juris Doctor from Mississippi College School of Law 

Relevant experience: Candidate did not provide a response to this question. 

Campaign website/Facebook page: www.gingerforus.com 

Why are you running for office? 

Armstrong: In February 2025, amid the flurry of illegal and unconstitutional actions of the Trump administration, I went down the busiest intersection in New Richmond and started protesting by myself. In March 2025, I got involved with the Democratic Party to get out the vote for the spring election. Shortly after that I founded New Richmond Indivisible with other local organizers. In April 2025, I started my campaign to take that fight to Congress. There is nothing we can’t do when we work together to demand change. 2026 is the Year of the People! 

Clark: Whether it’s our public lands, good schools, clean air and water, or assuring health care for Wisconsin citizens, what happens in Washington affects all of us here in Northern Wisconsin. Now more than ever, people across the political spectrum want our elected representatives to represent ALL of us, not the billionaires and elites whose influence captures politicians of both parties. I would like to serve the people of Northern Wisconsin in Congress as someone who will stand up, represent their communities and do the work we expect from our elected representatives. 

Murray: I can't sit by while our democracy is at risk. The final straw? My adult daughters aren't interested in having children — one is an environmental scientist who believes we're failing our planet; the other has twice been in school lockdowns during active shooter threats, met only with "thoughts and prayers." Meanwhile, families across the 7th Congressional District are splitting pills to pay bills while billionaires get tax cuts and rural hospitals close. This is my community. My lifelong Northwoods roots and legal skills make me uniquely qualified to advocate for these folks — and I'm ready. 

What makes you the better candidate in this race? 

Armstrong: I was the first candidate from either party to enter the race, even before Tom Tiffany declared his candidacy for governor. When I started protesting last year, I never imagined I’d be running for Congress today. I am unabashed regarding my position that Donald Trump and his cabinet must be impeached and removed from office. Nothing else is more important. What is the point of passing any new laws when this administration flagrantly breaks the law every single day. 

Clark: The 7th Congressional District is a historically conservative district and for a Democrat to win THIS district it will require a different approach and a different kind of candidate. Not a middle-of-the-road candidate but someone strong in their values who can relate to people across the political spectrum and who will show up anywhere and meet people where they’re at. As a longtime forester, small business owner and former state legislator, I am the candidate best prepared to do that work. 

Murray: I've been a leader all my life — from Wabeno High School class president to Lions Club president. I was born in Eau Claire, and raised, educated, married and built my 30-year legal career in this district. I'm not a career politician — I'm an award-winning lawyer who gets results: recovering tens of thousands in federal reimbursements owed to Northern Wisconsin counties, with a settlement rate near 90%. I've worked with local governments of every political stripe, and my endorsements cross party lines because we are "Better Together." Congress needs someone who studied the Constitution and has the legal skills to enforce it. 

What is the most pressing issue facing the 7th Congressional District, and how would you address it?

Armstrong: Affordability, plain and simple. People are working just as hard as they always have and are still falling behind. Groceries, gas, rent and one bad trip to the ER can wipe out what a family spent a lifetime building. We need to provide affordable health care, kill the tariffs, stop the illegal war in Iran, tax the ultra-wealthy and large corporations, invest in renewable energy, adopt sensible trade policies and strengthen our safety net for under-served and struggling families. 

Clark: Over the last 50 years, costs for housing, health care, child care, transportation and higher education have risen far faster than wages. Northern Wisconsin families can't keep up. Working and middle-class families earning between $32,500 and $100,000 are falling behind because the traditional safety net doesn't reach them. In Congress, I will support: enforcing anti-trust laws against large corporations in food, manufacturing, entertainment and finance that force higher prices; restoring an expanded, refundable Child Tax Credit for families earning under $150,000; expanding affordable housing funding and easing regulations to build more; and making truly affordable health care available to everyone. 

Murray: Affordability. Everything costs more — child care, health care, housing, groceries, even the gas to get to work — but pay stays the same. The BBB hands billionaires and the new trillionaire tax cuts while this administration cuts services for seniors, veterans and folks with disabilities. Those are not the choices I will make. People in our district are clear: they need me in D.C. to cut prescription and health care costs, protect rural hospitals, make child care and housing affordable, fund public schools, support our farmers and small businesses, and pass a tax code that puts the Northwoods before billionaires. 

What are residents telling you are their most important issues, and how would you address them? 

Armstrong: Health care comes up everywhere I go. Some politicians believe you need to work to get health care. I believe you need to be healthy to work. I support Medicare for All so everyone has access to quality health care. We also need to invest in health care infrastructure, so people don’t have to drive hours to receive care. We need to end the tariffs that are making it too hard for our farmers and manufacturers to remain competitive and stay in business. We need to implement a data center moratorium and put in place appropriate regulations before things get more out of hand. 

Clark: In addition to concerns about affordability, the other issue I hear most about is health care. In Congress, I will support providing a federal public health care option available for everyone; protecting, expanding and strengthening Medicare and Medicaid; ensuring that mental health care is treated and prioritized equally with physical health; requiring Medicare to negotiate with drug makers to make prescription drugs affordable; and ensuring access for women to the full scope of maternal and reproductive health care in federal law. 

Murray: Show up, listen and get results. From Wausau to Superior to Crandon — in every small town across our 26 counties — you hear the same concerns in two lanes: what folks need (relief from climbing costs, hospitals and clinics closing, child care deserts, rural schools waiting on promised funds, attacks on our natural resources, decisions that degrade women) and what they fear — the demise of democracy. I'll tackle these the way I've always worked: identify the problem, do the research, get results. With more work horses and fewer show horses, Congress could actually take care of the people who put them there. Erik Pfantz covers local government and education in central Wisconsin for USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin and values his background as a rural Wisconsinite. Contact him at epfantz@usatodayco.com.

The Ballot Brief

Conversations with candidates in Wisconsin's Democratic gubernatorial primary

The Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce launched its new ‘Ballot Brief’ podcast series. According to a press release from the Chamber, the podcast will provide Chippewa Valley voters with the opportunity to hear directly from each of the six Democratic candidates seeking their party’s nomination for governor ahead of the August 11 primary election.

Hosted by the Chamber’s Director of Advocacy, Erica Bodden, this nonpartisan series features individual interviews with the Democratic gubernatorial candidates

The Ballot Brief is a podcast series that features conversations with candidates in Wisconsin's Democratic gubernatorial primary. Focusing on issues that matter to the business community, the series will explore workforce, economic development, education, energy, and other key topics ahead of the August primary election.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbqIyClgyPPM

Candidate Forums and Debates

7th Congressional District (CD) and Governor Candidates

There are multiple candidate events in these last weeks before the August 11 Primary. If you cannot attend, most are live-streamed or recorded on Facebook or YouTube. Here is a partial listing:

• 7th CD - Tues July 14, 5:00-6:30pm, www.WJFW.com (NBC12 Rhinelander)
• 7th CD - Tues July 21, 6:30-8:00pm, watch party at Northwood Technical College, 1900 College Drive, Entrance N3, Rice Lake
• 7th CD - Sat July 25, 2:00-3:30pm, Siren School Auditorium
• 7th CD - Sat July 25, 6:00-7:30pm, Sevenwinds Casino in Hayward
• Governor - Tues July 28, 7:00-8:00pm, WISN Channel 12 (ABC)
• Governor/7th CD/Local candidates - Sat Aug 8, 12:00-5:00pm, Ojibwa Park

We've got a Lot Going on Saturday, July 25!

Please join us at one or all events! We are Stronger Together!

Chetek Adopt-a-Highway

9:00-11:00am

• The Barron County Democrats will do our part in cleaning up the environment on a 2-mile stretch of Hwy SS north of Chetek. This is the second of our three clean-up dates this summer (June 6, July 25, Sept 19).
• Meet us at the Connexus Credit Union on Hwy SS just north of Chetek. We'll provide safety vests, trash bags, trash "sticks", and bug repellent. Please wear boots and long pants - the ticks may be out. Wear your Barron Co Dems t-shirt if you have one. Join us for lunch afterward at the Crossroads Restaurant in Cameron.
• If you would like to help, use the link to leave your name and contact information: Adopt a Highway Contact List 

Weekly Peaceful Protest

Every Saturday 10:00 am-12:00 pm

300 block of S Main St, Rice Lake (map) 

• We are protesting 10am-12pm throughout the summer and fall (basically until things change for the better!). Keep in mind you don't have to stay for the full 2 hours - although time flies by when surrounded by friends! Grab a lawn chair and make your voice heard. Our next protest issues are: Voting Rights, Government Corruption, and 250 Year Anniversary of our Democracy. Check out our Facebook and Instagram accounts for some great pictures.
• We're including a food pantry element to our weekly peaceful protests. Area food pantries are concerned about their dwindling supplies, so we are asking protestors (and observers) to drop off non-perishable food items and personal care items at our Saturday protests. We will distribute these items throughout the county.

Canvassing

1:00-3:30pm

• Knock on friendly doors. We will be canvassing Saturday July 25th, making sure our fellow Democrats are prepared to vote in the August 11 Primary. We will provide you with training, scripts, and a partner if you wish. Contact Pat at 608-886-7821 or Gerry at 715-205-5362 if you are interested.
• Sign up to make phone calls. Log on to www.wisdems.org/volunteer to join a phone banking team. You will be given training, scripts and phone numbers of progressive voters. You can make the calls according to your schedule!

Dems Office Hours

Wednesdays, 12:00-6:00 pm

(Extended hours begin July 22)

Dems Office - 133 N Main St (map)

We are extending our Wednesday hours to 12-6 pm to help accommodate working folks. Stop by to pick up yard signs, work on campaigns, discuss the candidates, or sign up to cover a shift or two at the office. You can also join our sign-makers who create those great peaceful protest signs. We have materials and slogan ideas.

 

Note: The office will be closed on Wednesday July 15 since we will be at our Democrats booth at the County Fair. Extended hours will start at July 22.

 

If you have questions, contact Pat at patedwardsen@gmail.com or 608-886-7821

Meet Francesca Hong and Indy Thompson on Facebook Live!

Join our Facebook Live event page for our upcoming March 1 at 6 p.m. candidate event with Francesca Hong and Indy Thompson!

https://www.facebook.com/share/1CGfyCBGiM/

National Shutdown Friday, January 30

Are you looking for information about the shutdown being planned for this Friday? 

Join the protest in Rice Lake Friday, 1/23, Noon to 1:00 p.m.  in front of Mayo Clinic, 331 S Main. We'll have signs, or bring your own!

Here's a solid source of information about the nationwide effort. https://nationalshutdown.org/ 

You can pledge to join here.

Our regular weekly Saturday Peaceful Protest will be held in the same location from 11 am-noon.

Stand Up! Peaceful Protests

Check out the posts on the right about our "ICE OUT" protest!

Every Saturday Morning – 11am-12pm (note winter time)

331 S Main St, Rice Lake (map)
(Mayo Clinic – across from Marketplace)

Winter is here, along with cold temperatures. Our peaceful protestors have been amazing throughout the year, showing up in 90-degree heat, soaking rain, and biting winds. But safety comes first, so rather than abandoning our peaceful protest, we have opted to compress our efforts into ONE HOUR instead of 2. Our new scheduled time is 11am to 12pm, every Saturday morning.

Reminder: we cannot park our cars in the Mayo or Marketplace parking lots during the protest. There are many public parking spaces nearby. People will be stationed around the area to help you find a convenient spot. Bring a sign or display one of ours.

Please Join Us – We Are Stronger Together!

 

NO KINGS Event in Rice Lake Saturday, Oct 18 - 10am-12pm  331 S Main St  (Mayo Clinic - across from Marketplace)

Rally in support of our democracy! We're joining more than 2,000 other events across the country in support of government of, by, and for the people, pushing back against the authoritarian attack upon the Constitution and the Rule of Law! Join millions of other law-abiding citizens to show the world that America has no kings and that power belongs to the people. Together, we are choosing democracy!

 Check Out These Videos About Important Principles of Democracy.

Jerry Schlei, one of our local Dems, has put together a set of short videos that explain how we got to these dire days in the history of the American Democracy. These videos are short, pointed and calm while calling us all to shake off any misplaced complacency: Trump's Road to Authoritarianism

 

Stand Up! Peaceful Protests Every Saturday Morning - 10am-12pm 331 S Main St, Rice Lake (map)  (Mayo Clinic - across from Marketplace)

It is time to inform the public about the detrimental effects of the president's executive orders. Our plan is to provide information via a series of respectful and peaceful protests. We will carry signs with helpful, funny and informative messages for 2 hours every Saturday morning from 10am until noon. Each weekly protest will feature a single issue. We began this on March 22nd, and 50 hardy souls braved the weather to warn of the collapse of the Department of Education. The March 29th protest highlighted the deep cuts in Social Security, Medicaid and Medicare, and we had 85 activists with clever informative signs. On April 5th, 125 protestors expressed their feelings about the Trump/Musk administration. April 12th also drew 125 protestors as we honored our Veterans. We were overwhelmingly greeted by "thumbs up" and horn honks, validating our efforts.  This week's April 19th peaceful protest will feature the environment and our National Parks & Forests. Let's keep America beautiful by supporting our park and forest rangers. Please join us in this grass-roots effort. The Democrats office will be open on Wednesdays 12-4pm for sign-making. We will have sign materials and slogan ideas. Hand-made signs are also welcome. Please share and invite as many as you can - let's make a difference!

Congratulations to Judge Susan Crawford and Jill Underly, and Thanks to Our Volunteers!

Thanks to all our volunteers who helped elect Judge Susan Crawford and Jill Underly in the April 1 election!

They made phone calls, knocked doors, wrote postcards, sent opinion letters to the papers, and placed yard and highway signs. Volunteers knocked 1328 doors in support of the Crawford campaign and had 660 conversations.  Hundreds of yard signs went out our office doors and the road sign team placed over thirty highway signs.  That was only a fraction of the highway signs we place for presidential campaigns, yet enough to show our presence and campaign participation. 

Those volunteer hours paid off. The county went 40% for Crawford (vs 35% for Harris a few months earlier).  Cumberland reported 52%, Rice Lake 50% and the city of Barron 49%. 

We didn’t win Barron County for Judge Crawford but we surely moved it in the “left” direction. We have a lot to be proud of. And this is just the beginning. 

  

You can still help with Tuesday's Election! Sign up to make phone calls. Log on to www.wisdems.org/volunteer to join a phone banking team. You will be given training, scripts and phone numbers of progressive voters.  Knock on friendly doors. We will be canvassing March 29-31. Call Gerry at 715-205-5362 for information. We will provide you with training, scripts, and a partner if you wish. Display a Crawford sign in your yard. Click on this link and a sign will be delivered to you. https://forms.gle/FiczRLKxGXH4rJKQ8  Of course we have plenty of yard signs at our office! Talk to your friends & family. Explain the importance of this election. Ask them to talk to their friends and families to spread the word. Become a monthly donor. Your support of the Barron County Democrats helps us elect candidates and keep our strong presence in Barron County.

Stand Up! Peaceful Protests Every Saturday Morning - 10am-12pm Corner of Main St & Allen St - Rice Lake (map)

Join others to raise public awareness the detrimental effects of the president's executive orders.  We will peacefully protest with helpful informative messages for 2 hours every Saturday morning from 10am until noon. Each weekly protest will feature a single issue. We will focus on Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid this  Saturday, March 28.   Please join us in this grass-roots effort. The Democrats office will be open on Wednesdays 12-4pm for sign-making. We will have sign materials and slogan ideas. Hand-made signs are also welcome. Please share and invite as many as you can - let's make a difference!

VOTE on Election Day, Tuesday, April 1 

7 a.m. -8 p.m.

1. Elect Judge Susan Crawford for State Supreme Court Justice 

https://www.crawfordforwi.com

Current polls show a tie-your vote is needed! 

 2. Elect Jill Underly for State Superintendent of Schools

 Jill Underly is a life-long educator and puts children first. https://www.underlyforwi.com

 3. Vote NO on the Voter Suppression Referendum 

The Republicans have introduced another voter suppression tactic. They want to require voter ID (which is already the law) - but now also make it part of the State Constitution.

2025 Crawford Yard Signs Available

Susan Crawford signs available now!

Yard Sign Form

Help Elect Kamala Harris

Lots of folks are stepping up to help our great team – Harris and Walz—go all the way in the November election. Want to help out? Fill out this form indicating your interests and someone will give you a call.

Volunteer Form