WisDems: ROUND UP: Wisconsin delegates share excitement, optimism at Democratic National Convention

MADISON, Wis. — Yesterday, delegates from every corner of the Badger State convened for the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Throughout the day, delegates shared the motivations that drove them to the DNC and their excitement to participate in the convention. 

Delegates are fired up about the Democratic platform and the Harris-Walz ticket, citing issues such as reproductive freedom and climate change as important. Young delegates feel optimistic about a future with Vice President Harris and Governor Walz, sharing that enthusiasm for the top of the ticket will drive many of their peers to the polls in November. 

Watch delegate interviews and see what they had to say, in part, below: 

Milwaukee Delegate Nadiyah Johnson: “I think representation matters. So, being a woman of color, young, and representing a community of technologists, I want them to see how important it is to be involved in this democratic process. And one way to lead is by doing.” 

Fond du Lac Delegate Landiran Kern Jr.: “It’s not about being here with big time names or lawmakers or connecting with people. It’s about doing the work to make sure everyone has a fair and equal life.”

Wauwatosa Delegate Ana Wilson: “I think this will be great. Very excited. I think the energy will be electric and off the roof. […] I’m just hoping … it’s a learning experience. It’s a brand-new thing for me, so I’m just very excited to be here.”

Madison Delegate Henry Fries: “This is really a dream come true. We’ve always been political nerds. We’ve followed elections. We’ve followed the DNC from television at home, but to be able to go down here was not in my long-term plan at first, and I’m just so thrilled to be able to share this moment with my good friend from high school.”

Waupaca Delegate Logan Janssen: “The young vote is always crucial and that’s been an area where the Democrat party needs to boost our turnout and invigorate their party.”

Madison Delegate Henry Pahlow: “Whether it’s making the cost of education more affordable by forgiving student debt, fighting against the climate crisis, or protecting reproductive rights and freedoms, I think those are issues that really energize my generation. They sure as heck energize me.”

Milwaukee Delegate Craig Mastantuono: “People are really just getting their resolve up to go through the next three months and bring this home, and then going home and taking that energy and excitement and putting it into action.”

Kenosha Delegate Sally Simpson: “I think it’s going to be so exciting to see all those people and to be in that room when Vice President Kamala Harris accepts our nomination as our candidate for president.”