Operative Joe Zepecki has formally launched his bid for state Dem chair, the fourth person to enter the contest to succeed Ben Wikler.
In his announcement, Zepecki said the party needs someone to build on Wikler’s success over the past six years, while refining its approach to year-round organizing and the relationships between county parties and WisDems. He also said the party has to “fundamentally reshape how we communicate our values.”
”We can, and must, do all of that at the same time while keeping our eyes on the prize,” Zepecki said. “My top priorities are strengthening our party to more effectively stand up to Trump and win elections while ensuring we emerge from this process united.”
Zepecki joins a field that includes: 3rd CD Chair William Garcia, Glendale Mayor Bryan Kennedy and former party Executive Director Devin Remiker. The election will be held at the party’s state convention June 14-15 in the Wisconsin Dells.
>> WisPolitics is now on the State Affairs network. Get custom keyword notifications, bill tracking and all WisPolitics content. Get the app or access via desktop.
As part of his announcement, Zepecki rolled out 20 endorsements, including Angela Lang, the executive director of BLOC.
Lang had been considering her own run for chair. She told WisPolitics ahead of Zepecki’s announcement that she decided against a run because her priority remains Black Leaders Organizing for Communities and believes there is a lot the group can achieve in the next year. She also said someone else is likely better positioned to lead the party after Wikler leaves in June.
“I think there’s a lot of rebuilding and I think a lot of creativity and innovation that can get done, transitioning to a new chair,” she said. “Quite frankly, that’s a bigger lift than I’m willing to carry right now.”
