On Tuesday Oct. 15, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers paid UWL a visit alongside Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer to support Wisconsin Democrats as well as Kamala Harris and Tim Walz.
Wisconsin State Senator Brad Pfaff was amongst the state officials who introduced the duo of governors alongside Wisconsin State Assembly Member Jill Billings and Tara Johnson.
Pfaff took the stage first and introduced himself, calling for everyone at the event to “put in the hard work” and get everyone they know to the polls. Pfaff also spoke directly to the college students in attendance, he said, “This election is not just about the here and now, this election is about the future.”
Pfaff referenced Vice President Harris’s words often heard at rallies, “We do not want to go back.”
Pfaff next introduced Tara Johnson, a challenger running for the Wisconsin State Assembly. Johnson reminded students to vote either on or before Nov. 5.
“We are fighting for a future where everyone has a chance to not only get by but to get ahead,” Johnson said.
Johnson spoke about how Democrats would like to give everyone “a fair share” through middle-class tax cuts, making housing more affordable, lowering healthcare costs and capping the cost of insulin.
Introduced next was Jill Billings, a Wisconsin state assembly member, who spoke about the economy and jobs, an issue that she said was important to students. Billings spoke on the promises that former President Donald Trump made during his previous term as president, promises that Billings pointed out were not kept.
“Democrats are going to deliver a great economy,” said Billings.
Next, Gov. Evers and Whitmer arrived and spoke to the crowd. Evers reiterated how important this election is to the state of Wisconsin, especially because of the new maps implemented earlier this year. Evers also endorsed each of the Democrats on the ballot this Nov. specifically endorsing Senator Tammy Baldwin.
Evers spoke about Kamala Harris, describing how she is pro-education and cares about childcare, issues that Evers said Wisconsin residents really resonate with.
Evers said, “They’re going to win because they have the right ideas.”
Next Evers introduced Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Whitmer acknowledged that the election will be close, as both Wisconsin and Michigan are battleground states. Despite that, she reminded attendees that they have the power to decide the election through campaigning in their neighborhoods, homes, classrooms and places of work.
“When we vote, we win,” said Whitmer.
Whitmer urged attendees to vote early and to bring as many people as they can to the polls with them.
For more information on how and where to vote, click here.
