A Gathering of Concerns: Democrats Unite in Sauk City, Wisconsin
In a small library in Sauk City, Wisconsin, over 170 frustrated Democrats gathered for a town hall meeting billed as “People v. Musk.” The event, held under St. Patrick’s Day decorations, was a space for venting, crying, and exhorting. The crowd expressed anger toward President Donald Trump, his billionaire adviser Elon Musk, and the direction of the country. Some even called for riots, while others admitted embarrassment at being American. However, their criticism wasn’t solely directed at Republicans; many Democrats also questioned their own party’s messaging and strategy, fearing a potential loss in the upcoming state Supreme Court election.
The April 1 election is a high-stakes contest that could serve as an early litmus test for Trump’s agenda in Wisconsin, a key presidential swing state. Control of the court hangs in the balance, with cases on abortion and reproductive rights, public sector unions, voting rules, and congressional district boundaries looming. Sauk County, where the meeting was held, has voted for the winner of the past five presidential races, including Trump in 2016 and 2024, and Joe Biden in 2020. Wisconsin Democratic Party Chairman Ben Wikler described it as “the most bellwether county in the most bellwether state.”
Frustrations and Fears: Democrats Question Their Party’s Strategy
The town hall was the first of several planned to generate excitement for Susan Crawford, the Democratic-backed candidate running for the state Supreme Court. Crawford is facing Brad Schimel, a former Republican state attorney general supported by Musk. Groups backed by Musk have poured over $5 million into the race, framing Schimel’s victory as critical to advancing Trump’s agenda. Wikler, who moderated the meeting, underscored the stakes, declaring, “We are in a fight for democracy itself.”
Attendees, however, expressed frustration with their own party’s campaign tactics. Maureen Oostdik, a 77-year-old retired public health worker, criticized the Democratic Party’s messaging, calling it “horrible” and warning that Crawford’s ads were too narrow, focusing primarily on abortion. “They’re not good,” she said. “There are a lot of crossover voters who aren’t necessarily in one camp or another. They don’t have a broad strategy for capturing what other people may be interested in.” Oostdik also questioned traditional campaign methods, like door-to-door outreach, and voiced little hope for the upcoming election.
Laurel Burns, a 40-year-old single mother and customer service worker, echoed these concerns. Born without arms and reliant on Social Security for half her income, Burns fears potential cuts to Medicaid and Social Security. She attended the meeting to represent other disabled individuals who feel threatened by Republican policies. While she believes Democrats will be motivated to vote, she urged the party to “wake up” and take action. “It’s a very scary time for a lot of people,” she said.
Personal Stories and Passion: Attendees Share Their Fears and Hopes
The meeting provided a platform for attendees to share their personal stories and frustrations. Tracy Baggot, a 68-year-old massage therapist from Wisconsin Dells, expressed her outrage over Trump and dismissed Musk as a “joke” who should have no role in politics. Despite her concerns, Baggot remained optimistic about Crawford’s chances, though she acknowledged past disappointments, such as Kamala Harris’s performance. “I feel like she has a great chance,” she said. “I’m feeling really positive about this. I thought the same about Kamala, but it didn’t work out. But I feel so much is changing now.”
Susan Knower, a 71-year-old therapist and chair of the Sauk County Democratic Party, told the audience, “What I see in Sauk County is we are angry and we are afraid.” Knower emphasized the importance of linking Musk to Schimel and Trump, calling it “so important that we make sure everyone knows Brad Schimel is going to promote these MAGA-extreme policies.” She cited a recent Marquette University Law School poll showing that virtually all Democrats in Wisconsin view Musk unfavorably.
The Battle for Wisconsin: Linking Musk to Schimel and Trump
The town hall highlighted the Democratic Party’s strategy to connect Musk to Schimel and Trump. Musk’s involvement in the race has been significant, with his groups contributing over $5 million to support Schimel. Musk has also used his social media platform X to endorse Schimel, calling his victory “very important” for advancing Republican priorities. Schimel, a Trump endorsee, has welcomed Trump’s involvement in the race, further cementing his alignment with the former president.
Timothy Hinton, a 72-year-old retired doctor from New Lisbon, summed up the stakes of the election. He admitted he knew little about the court race but was voting for Crawford because “she made a lot of sense” during a TV interview. Hinton expressed concerns about voter turnout, stating, “I think if Democrats show up, they will win. If they don’t show up, she will lose. It’s that simple, in my mind.” His comments underscored the importance of mobilization in what is expected to be a tightly contested race.
The Road Ahead: A Fight for Democracy and Democratic Values
As the April 1 election approaches, the Democratic Party faces an uphill battle in Wisconsin. The town hall in Sauk City revealed both the passion and the anxiety among Democrats, who are fighting not only against Republican-backed candidates but also against the influence of billionaires like Elon Musk. The election is seen as a crucial test of Democratic strength in a swing state, with implications for issues ranging from abortion rights to congressional district boundaries.
Wikler’s assertion that “we are in a fight for democracy itself” resonated deeply with the audience. For many in attendance, the election is not just about winning a seat on the Supreme Court—it’s about preserving the values of equality, justice, and fairness in a state and a country increasingly divided. The town hall served as a reminder of the challenges ahead and the importance of unity in the face of adversity.
As Wisconsin prepares for this pivotal moment, the voices of those who gathered in Sauk City—their fears, their frustrations, and their hopes—offer a glimpse into the broader struggle for democracy in America. The outcome of the election will depend on whether Democrats can channel their energy and concerns into action, ensuring that their voices are heard at the polls.
