2026 Wisconsin Progress Legislative Cohort
Event Type: Virtual
A virtual link will be communicated before the event.
Host contact info becky@wisconsinprogress.org
Wisconsin Progress will host a Legislative Candidate Cohort designed specifically for candidates running for the Wisconsin State Assembly and State Senate. This program will feature monthly virtual training sessions focused on deepening candidates’ understanding of the key policy issues, priorities, and values that shape Wisconsin’s progressive movement. Participation in the cohort is reserved for candidates seeking an endorsement from Wisconsin Progress and who are in good standing with the organization.
Monthly Themes and Dates:
July: Conservation Policy with Wisconsin Conservation Voters
Date TBD
August: Union Rights and Organizing Theory;
Thursday, August 13th, 6-7:30pm
September: School Policy with WEAC
Thursday, September 24th 6-7:30pm
October: LGBTQ+ Rights and Transgender Legislation
Wednesday, October 21st 6-7:30pm
Through this training series, candidates will build a strong foundation in critical policy areas affecting communities across Wisconsin—such as public education, healthcare, economic security, and union rights—while also exploring the broader political and legislative context in which these issues operate. The program will emphasize how policy decisions affect constituents and how state legislators can effectively advance meaningful change.
The cohort will prioritize peer-to-peer learning, creating space for candidates to engage in thoughtful discussion, reflect on how these issues show up in their own districts, and learn from one another’s perspectives and lived experiences. Participants will also connect with Wisconsin Progress Advisory Council members, policy experts, and issue advocates who will provide insight, context, and real-world expertise throughout the program.
In addition, candidates will receive curated policy briefings, background materials, and resource guides to support their ongoing learning. These materials are designed to serve as a reference library that candidates can draw from as they deepen their understanding of key issues and prepare for legislative service.
Overall, the Legislative Candidate Cohort is designed to equip progressive candidates with the policy knowledge, issue fluency, and relationships needed to lead effectively, engage thoughtfully with constituents, and advance a strong progressive agenda in Wisconsin.
By participating in the Legislative Candidate Cohort, candidates will:
Develop a foundational understanding of key progressive policy priorities in Wisconsin, including the political and policy landscape shaping legislative races across the state.
Strengthen their ability to communicate progressive issues and policy solutions to voters, translating complex policy topics into clear and compelling campaign messaging.
Build relationships with fellow legislative candidates, creating opportunities for peer-to-peer learning, shared problem-solving, and collaborative strategy development.
Engage with Wisconsin Progress Advisory Council members and issue experts, gaining insights and guidance on policy, messaging, and navigating legislative campaigns.
Access and utilize training materials and campaign resources, including slide decks and reference materials that support continued learning and campaign preparation throughout the election cycle.Increase confidence in advocating for progressive priorities, equipping candidates with the knowledge and support network needed to run competitive campaigns and effectively represent their communities.
*All sessions will be hosted monthly via Zoom. A separate Zoom registration link will be sent for each month.
Wisconsin Progress / DSPAF Candidate Safety & Security Training: Cyber
Wisconsin Progress is proud to partner with the Democracy Security Project and the Democracy Security Project Action Fund.
The Democracy Security Project (DSP) and Democracy Security Project Action Fund (DSPAF) were launched in 2024 by leaders and organizers with deep experience dealing with online and offline threats over the course of their careers. DSP and DSPAF have trained over 13,000 individuals across 50 states, equipping civil society leaders and teams with the tools to stay safe and resilient.
Our candidate focused CyberSafety & Security Training is designed to help those running for office increase their security awareness around cyber and online threats, equipping their teams, volunteers, and loved ones to protect their personal information online and respond to digital crises. This training will provide specific tools and tips to effectively defend against digital threats that target candidates, and provide action steps and insights on how you can increase your privacy both on and offline while on the campaign trail.
ClickHERE to register for this training.
Wisconsin Progress / DSPAF Candidate Safety & Security Training: Physical & Events
Wisconsin Progress is proud to partner with the Democracy Security Project and the Democracy Security Project Action Fund.
The Democracy Security Project (DSP) and Democracy Security Project Action Fund (DSPAF) were launched in 2024 by leaders and organizers with deep experience dealing with online and offline threats over the course of their careers. DSP and DSPAF have trained over 13,000 individuals across 50 states, equipping civil society leaders and teams with the tools to stay safe and resilient.
Our candidate focused Physical & Events Safety & Security Training helps to build situational awareness for a wide range of risks that threaten candidates for public office. This session builds skills and shares resources needed to plan and respond to situations like harassment, disruptions, and threats at home, in your office, and while traveling. The session also covers risk mitigation when planning or attending an event, and building an event safety plan to safeguard the well-being of all participants, including candidates and attendees. We work to empower participants with practical and pragmatic solutions to a broad range of physical vulnerabilities and threats that may arise over the course of the campaign cycle.
Click HERE to register for this training.
Wisconsin Progress / DSPAF Community Defense Training
Wisconsin Progress is proud to partner with the Democracy Security Project and the Democracy Security Project Action Fund.
The Democracy Security Project (DSP) was launched in 2024 by leaders and organizers with deep experience dealing with online and offline threats over the course of their careers. DSP has trained over 11,000 individuals across 50 states, equipping civil society leaders and teams with the tools to stay safe and resilient.
Our Community Defense Training helps to build situational awareness for a wide range of threats along with support and resources needed to respond to situations like harassment, disruptions, and threats while serving your community. We also cover engaging law enforcement, being an active bystander, and risk mitigation in event planning and execution.
Click HERE to register for this training.
2026 Advanced Virtual Fall Candidate Training
Start: Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 10:00 AM CDT
End: Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 3:00 PM CDT
Event Type: Virtual
A virtual link will be communicated before the event.
Host contact info lori@wisconsinprogress.org
Description: Whether you’re preparing to run for office or step into a key volunteer role, this five-hour, hands-on training will give you the skills, strategies, and confidence to lead a winning state or local campaign. Participants will dive deep into every critical element of modern campaigning, including:
Field Strategy – Master the art of direct voter contact and build a data-driven plan to reach your win number.
Communications – Craft a powerful message, navigate messaging tools, and leverage social platforms to amplify your voice.
Finance – Learn the essentials of campaign compliance and fundraising to power your campaign from start to finish.
Campaign Best Practices – From scheduling and safety to building your team and executing a strong Get Out the Vote (GOTV) plan, you’ll gain the tools to keep your campaign organized, energized, and on track.
By the end of this training, you’ll leave with a clear understanding of how campaigns work, the confidence to lead in any role, and the practical tools to turn political ambition into electoral success.
Attendees will be able to:
Build a field plan for direct voter contact with specific metrics, data points, and achievable goals
Define various voter universes and determine how the field plan will reach the broad electorate
Create a communications plan to align with progressive and personal values, uplift the needs of working people and their communities, and mobilize the electorate for the candidate
Initiate plans for a comprehensive campaign plan, integrating the core elements of a campaign with a general timeline
Draft a campaign budget and finance plan as well as identify and follow compliance law and best practices
Identify best practices in fundraising as well as at least 3 methods of effective fundraising
Practice skill building in areas such as door knocking, asking for donations, and communicating an elevator pitch with core messages
Discuss, practice, and consider best practices for campaign scheduling, candidate and volunteer safety, Get Out the Vote activities, and steps to building an effective campaign team
Please note that this training will be shorter than the 6 hours normally required and will include time for you to take lunch on your own.
Zoom link will be provided on Thursday before the training to the email address you provided.
Advanced Local Elected Training (ALET) - Southwest
Advanced Local Elected Training (ALET)
Whether you’re preparing to run for office or step into a key volunteer role, this six-hour, hands-on training will give you the skills, strategies, and confidence to lead a winning state or local campaign. Participants will dive deep into every critical element of modern campaigning, including:
● Field Strategy – Master the art of direct voter contact and build a data-driven plan to reach your win number.
● Communications – Craft a powerful message, navigate earned and paid media, and leverage social platforms to amplify your voice.
● Finance – Learn the essentials of campaign compliance and fundraising to power your campaign from start to finish.
● Campaign Best Practices – From scheduling and safety to building your team and executing a strong Get Out the Vote (GOTV) plan, you’ll gain the tools to keep your campaign organized, energized, and on track.
By the end of this training, you’ll leave with a clear understanding of how campaigns work, the confidence to lead in any role, and the practical tools to turn political ambition into electoral success.
Virtual Local Elected Training (ALET)
Advanced Local Elected Training (ALET)
Whether you’re preparing to run for office or step into a key volunteer role, this six-hour, hands-on training will give you the skills, strategies, and confidence to lead a winning state or local campaign. Participants will dive deep into every critical element of modern campaigning, including:
● Field Strategy – Master the art of direct voter contact and build a data-driven plan to reach your win number.
● Communications – Craft a powerful message, navigate earned and paid media, and leverage social platforms to amplify your voice.
● Finance – Learn the essentials of campaign compliance and fundraising to power your campaign from start to finish.
● Campaign Best Practices – From scheduling and safety to building your team and executing a strong Get Out the Vote (GOTV) plan, you’ll gain the tools to keep your campaign organized, energized, and on track.
By the end of this training, you’ll leave with a clear understanding of how campaigns work, the confidence to lead in any role, and the practical tools to turn political ambition into electoral success.
Advanced Local Elected Training (ALET) - La Crosse Hybrid (In Person and Virtual)
Advanced Local Elected Training (ALET)
Whether you’re preparing to run for office or step into a key volunteer role, this six-hour, hands-on training will give you the skills, strategies, and confidence to lead a winning state or local campaign. Participants will dive deep into every critical element of modern campaigning, including:
● Field Strategy – Master the art of direct voter contact and build a data-driven plan to reach your win number.
● Communications – Craft a powerful message, navigate earned and paid media, and leverage social platforms to amplify your voice.
● Finance – Learn the essentials of campaign compliance and fundraising to power your campaign from start to finish.
● Campaign Best Practices – From scheduling and safety to building your team and executing a strong Get Out the Vote (GOTV) plan, you’ll gain the tools to keep your campaign organized, energized, and on track.
By the end of this training, you’ll leave with a clear understanding of how campaigns work, the confidence to lead in any role, and the practical tools to turn political ambition into electoral success.
Advanced Local Elected Training (ALET) - La Crosse
Advanced Local Elected Training (ALET)
Whether you’re preparing to run for office or step into a key volunteer role, this six-hour, hands-on training will give you the skills, strategies, and confidence to lead a winning state or local campaign. Participants will dive deep into every critical element of modern campaigning, including:
● Field Strategy – Master the art of direct voter contact and build a data-driven plan to reach your win number.
● Communications – Craft a powerful message, navigate earned and paid media, and leverage social platforms to amplify your voice.
● Finance – Learn the essentials of campaign compliance and fundraising to power your campaign from start to finish.
● Campaign Best Practices – From scheduling and safety to building your team and executing a strong Get Out the Vote (GOTV) plan, you’ll gain the tools to keep your campaign organized, energized, and on track.
By the end of this training, you’ll leave with a clear understanding of how campaigns work, the confidence to lead in any role, and the practical tools to turn political ambition into electoral success.
Advanced Local Elected Training (ALET) - Green Bay
Advanced Local Elected Training (ALET)
Whether you’re preparing to run for office or step into a key volunteer role, this six-hour, hands-on training will give you the skills, strategies, and confidence to lead a winning state or local campaign. Participants will dive deep into every critical element of modern campaigning, including:
● Field Strategy – Master the art of direct voter contact and build a data-driven plan to reach your win number.
● Communications – Craft a powerful message, navigate earned and paid media, and leverage social platforms to amplify your voice.
● Finance – Learn the essentials of campaign compliance and fundraising to power your campaign from start to finish.
● Campaign Best Practices – From scheduling and safety to building your team and executing a strong Get Out the Vote (GOTV) plan, you’ll gain the tools to keep your campaign organized, energized, and on track.
By the end of this training, you’ll leave with a clear understanding of how campaigns work, the confidence to lead in any role, and the practical tools to turn political ambition into electoral success.
Filing Training
Filing to Run: Navigating Campaign Paperwork with Confidence
Filing to run for office can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be. This focused training will walk local candidates step-by-step through the essential paperwork required to get on the ballot, including the Campaign Registration Statement (CF-1) and Nomination Papers. We’ll demystify the process, answer common questions, and highlight the details that can make or break a successful filing.
Designed to take place before the spring signature collection period, this session ensures you’re fully prepared to file correctly, avoid common mistakes, and start your campaign on the
Advanced Local Elected Training (ALET) - Portage County
Advanced Local Elected Training (ALET)
Whether you’re preparing to run for office or step into a key volunteer role, this six-hour, hands-on training will give you the skills, strategies, and confidence to lead a winning state or local campaign. Participants will dive deep into every critical element of modern campaigning, including:
● Field Strategy – Master the art of direct voter contact and build a data-driven plan to reach your win number.
● Communications – Craft a powerful message, navigate earned and paid media, and leverage social platforms to amplify your voice.
● Finance – Learn the essentials of campaign compliance and fundraising to power your campaign from start to finish.
● Campaign Best Practices – From scheduling and safety to building your team and executing a strong Get Out the Vote (GOTV) plan, you’ll gain the tools to keep your campaign organized, energized, and on track.
By the end of this training, you’ll leave with a clear understanding of how campaigns work, the confidence to lead in any role, and the practical tools to turn political ambition into electoral success.
Advanced Local Elected Training (ALET) - Bayfield
Advanced Local Elected Training (ALET)
Whether you’re preparing to run for office or step into a key volunteer role, this six-hour, hands-on training will give you the skills, strategies, and confidence to lead a winning state or local campaign. Participants will dive deep into every critical element of modern campaigning, including:
● Field Strategy – Master the art of direct voter contact and build a data-driven plan to reach your win number.
● Communications – Craft a powerful message, navigate earned and paid media, and leverage social platforms to amplify your voice.
● Finance – Learn the essentials of campaign compliance and fundraising to power your campaign from start to finish.
● Campaign Best Practices – From scheduling and safety to building your team and executing a strong Get Out the Vote (GOTV) plan, you’ll gain the tools to keep your campaign organized, energized, and on track.
By the end of this training, you’ll leave with a clear understanding of how campaigns work, the confidence to lead in any role, and the practical tools to turn political ambition into electoral success.
Getting Ready to Run Southeast - Virtual
If you've ever thought about running for office but don't know where to start, this training will help you learn the rules of the road and decide if running for office is right for you.
Your zoom link for the training will arrive in your inbox with your confirmation email.
This event is free, but you must RSVP ahead of time:
https://actionnetwork.org/events/getting-ready-to-run-virtual-5?source=direct_link&
Getting Ready to Run (GR2R) - Southeast
This training has been canceled and will be rescheduled later this summer. Watch this space and our social / email communications! After completing this two-hour training, potential candidates and campaign volunteers will know and be able to implement the basic steps of running a local and state-level political campaign, as well as what actions a potential candidate can legally take before filing.
Attendees will be able to:
Evaluate their readiness to run for office or volunteer for a campaign
Identify filing deadlines and be ready to implement the filing requirements
Research the current political landscape for the public office sought
Identify a support system for a potential campaign
Create a plan for next steps, should the attendee decide to run for office or volunteer on a campaign
Getting Ready to Run (GR2R) - Northeast
After completing this three hour training, potential candidates and campaign volunteers will know and be able to implement the basic steps of running a local and state-level political campaign, as well as what actions a potential candidate can legally take before filing.
Attendees will be able to:
Evaluate their readiness to run for office or volunteer for a campaign
Identify filing deadlines and be ready to implement the filing requirements
Research the current political landscape for the public office sought
Identify a support system for a potential campaign
Create a plan for next steps, should the attendee decide to run for office or volunteer on a campaign
RSVP: https://actionnetwork.org/events/northeast-wisconsin-getting-ready-to-run-2025
WisDems State Convention
Important Dates and Deadlines:
March 16: Nomination signatures collection may begin
March 16 – May 24, 2025: CD Conventions
May 17: State Party Monitored Delegate Request Form Closes
May 17: Accommodations Requests and Cost Assistance Requests Form deadline
May 24, 5 PM: Nomination signatures and declaration of intent forms due to State Party staff
May 24, 5 PM: All State Convention delegate lists due from County Parties to State Party
May 31, 5PM: Delegates must be current members of the Party by this date or will lose their delegate status.
June 14-15: Officers elected at State Convention by ranked choice voting