Founded in 2009, Wisconsin Progress is a critical piece of the Wisconsin progressive movement. From providing comprehensive training to working alongside candidates and their campaigns, our team prioritizes critical races, regions, and districts to the progressive movement by ensuring people have the resources and support needed to win at the ballot box and beyond. Unlike any other organization, Wisconsin Progress builds relationships through a commitment to long term organizing and genuine relationship building. Our organizing and relationships provide the foundation to recruit strong candidates who not only win at the ballot box but who also prioritize progressive policy and advocacy once elected.
What is Wisconsin Progress?
Our Values
Workers are empowered and represented, paid a living wage, can form and join a union (public, private, and trades), and participate in collective bargaining
Health care is affordable, accessible, and comprehensive, and all can make healthcare decisions right for themselves and their families
LGBTQ+ individuals live and thrive with protected foundational rights and freedoms
Public education is fully funded, and all can access affordable childcare
Our natural resources and public health are protected and our clean air and water are maintained for future generations
Public investments support sustainable community infrastructures including safe, affordable housing, transportation, and broadband
Our justice system is fair, restorative, and equitable, and it protects our citizens and consumers
Action is taken to eliminate racial disparities
All can participate in recreation and civic life, including exercising the right to vote
We recruit progressive candidates and leaders across Wisconsin at all levels of local and state elected office to advance policy and actions in pursuit of common good.
From providing comprehensive training to working directly with candidates and campaigns, we ensure everyone has the resources and support needed to win at the ballot box and beyond.
We provide ongoing networking, professional development, and mentorship opportunities to sustain the progressive movement and grow the candidate pipeline.
With over 75% of our candidates winning their races, we drive the progressive movement for policy and legislative change at the local and state levels.
Vision
We envision a Wisconsin that is a better, more equitable place to live, work, and raise a family.
Mission
Wisconsin Progress recruits, trains, elects, and develops progressive candidates and leaders at the local and state legislative levels.
Meet the Team
Kristina Sandherr
Executive Director
After leaving the Wisconsin State Assembly after serving two teams as the state representative to the 90th assembly district, Kristina joined the Wisconsin Progress team in 2024 as the Executive Director. Kristina is an experienced local and state elected public servant, leader, community organizer, and educator with over 20 years in movement building. Her background spans public education, economic justice and workers’ rights, food insecurity, healthcare, and climate action. Kristina has two kids and currently lives in Green Bay.
Contact Kristina about the following:
Board Membership, Partnerships, Fundraising, General information about our organization
Important information about Kristina:
As a busy mom of two teenagers and working in politics, I find my sanity at the gym with 6:00 am weight lifting workouts! I love music, especially 90s Rnb, and creating the best playlists for all occasions.
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Becky Rasmussen
Training Director and Northeast Wisconsin Candidate Services
Contact Becky about the following:
Running for Local or Legislative Office in Northeast Wisconsin, Questions about WI Progress training opportunitiesImportant Information about Becky:
I am a local elections enthusiast and would love to talk to you about data pertaining to your election. When I'm not working, I like to spend time reading, baking, and doing outdoor activities like skiing, biking, and kayaking. -
Ben Stepanek
Candidate Services Director and Western Wisconsin Candidate Services
Contact Ben about the following:
Running for Local or Legislative Office in Western Wisconsin, Questions about how Wisconsin Progress supports candidates and campaigns all across the state for local and legislative races
Important Information about Ben:
I enjoy helping candidates reach their fullest potential and succeed on election day. I live in La Crosse and enjoy cheering for the Brewers, Bucks and Packers. When I am not working, you can usually find me at the gym coaching youth basketball or in the woods during deer or turkey season.
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Lori Hawkins
Communications Manager and Southeast Wisconsin Candidate Services
Contact Lori about the following:
Running for Local or Legislative Office in Southeastern Wisconsin, Questions relating to our website or social media platforms, Updates of your contact information in our database
Important Information about Lori:
After running for state senate 2018 and then chairing the Kenosha County Dems, I was hooked on this career lane - and couldn’t be happier. Down time finds me outdoors enjoying Wisconsin’s natural year-round beauty, knitting, running a zoo of two spicy cats and an elderly Golden Retriever, and having adventures with our two young adult kids (aka: the reasons I’m in this work).