Wisconsin Democrats are planning to spend $7 million on television ads in five key state Senate races in an effort to regain control of the chamber. This is the biggest ad buy of its kind that Democrats in the state have ever made in legislative races. The money typically goes to top of the ticket statewide races, but Democrats are focusing on the Legislature where Republicans have held a strong majority for over a decade. Democrats are confident in their candidates and believe this significant ad buy will help them in the upcoming election cycle.
The buy will target races in Milwaukee’s northern suburbs, rural areas north of Madison, the Fox Cities, Green Bay, and La Crosse. Republicans currently hold a 22-10 supermajority in the 33-seat Senate, but Democrats are hoping that new district boundaries signed by Gov. Tony Evers will help them chip away at the GOP advantage. With 16 Senate seats up for election in November, Democrats need to win 13 seats to gain the majority. This election cycle is the first time in over 20 years that Democrats have put up a candidate in every Senate race on the ballot, showing a new level of energy within the party.
The targeted districts for the ad buy include the 8th Senate District in Milwaukee’s northern suburbs, the redrawn 14th District covering parts of Columbia, Marquette, Green Lake, and Waupaca counties, the 18th District running from Appleton south to Oshkosh, the 30th District covering the western shore of Green Bay, and the 32nd District in western Wisconsin. Democrats have chosen these districts because they were won by President Joe Biden and Gov. Tony Evers in the past, indicating a favorable environment for Democratic candidates. The ads will be tailored to each district’s specific issues and will air after Wisconsin’s August primary.
Senate Republican Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu believes that the Democratic ad buy is an attempt to buy control of government institutions. Republicans currently hold a supermajority in the Senate and will be working to maintain their advantage in the upcoming election. Democrats are hopeful that their targeted ad campaign will help them gain ground in key districts and ultimately shift the balance of power in the state Senate. The $7 million investment in TV ads demonstrates the party’s confidence in their candidates and their belief that they have a strong chance of success in the upcoming election cycle.
