Senate Republican Candidate Attacked LGBTQ+ Wisconsinites During Recent Debate; LGBTQ+ Democrats and LGBTQ+ Victory Fund condemn the transphobic and homophobic statements.
WASHINGTON–Last week, the Wisconsin Examiner covered a Republican primary debate for Wisconsin’s 18th Senate District. The two candidates shared extreme positions with one candidate even criticizing the Democratic nominee’s idea of “family.” LGBTQ+ Victory Fund has endorsed Democrat Kris Alfheim – a lesbian small business owner – in District 18, which is a top target for both parties.
The WI Examiner article explained, “He painted a rigid view of family, which he described as ‘a mother, a father and children, in a perfect world,’ and said that view of family could ‘solve a lot of the problems that we have in society today.’ ‘Family is important,’ Yang said. ‘[Alfheim’s] idea of family is very different than ours. Mine is a mother and a father, and the traditional family in the sense that we all, most of us in this room, understand what our family is. Hers is not. It’s a blended family.’”
Sean Meloy, Vice President of Political Programs at LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, issued the following statement regarding this attack:
“It’s appalling that instead of focusing on the real issues impacting voters, Republican candidates in Northeastern Wisconsin would rather lob intensely personal attacks against a highly-qualified lesbian candidate because her family looks differently than theirs. What’s even more disgusting is that their litany of insults were made at the expense of our LGBTQ+ youth who now, more than ever, need leaders in Madison who will have their backs, not disparage them. The 18th Senate District, the Fox Valley, and the entire State of Wisconsin deserve better.”
Wisconsin’s LGBTQ+ Victory Fund Candidates echoed Sean’s sentiment:
“Judging a person’s capabilities and qualifications by who they share a dinner table with is abhorrent. Everyone’s family looks a little bit different but in Wisconsin, that’s what makes us stronger. Kris is a proven leader in her community and has been working hard to connect with voters and hear more about the issues impacting their everyday lives. We are confident that the Fox Valley will reject this hateful rhetoric in November and elect Kris to find common ground and be their voice in Madison.”
The co-signers of the above statement from LGBTQ+ candidates are Senator Mark Spreitzer, Senator Tim Carpenter, David Marstellar, Ryan Spaude, Brady Coulthard, Amaad Rivera-Wagner, Angelina Cruz, David Marstellar and Israel Ramon.
LGBTQ+ Victory Fund has endorsed 20 out LGBTQ+, pro-choice candidates for state and local office in Wisconsin during the 2024 cycle.
