Wisconsin Democrats Elect Devin Remiker as New Chairman: A New Chapter for WisDems

June 16, 2025 | Boncopia.com | News & Politics | U.S. News & Politics

A Fresh Start for Wisconsin Democrats

On Sunday, June 15, 2025, the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, known as WisDems, made a pivotal decision at its state convention in Wisconsin Dells, electing Devin Remiker as its new chairman. This transition marks the end of an era for outgoing chairman Ben Wikler, who led the party to significant victories since 2019, and the beginning of a new chapter as Democrats gear up for the critical 2026 midterm elections. Remiker’s election signals a commitment to building on past successes while addressing new challenges in a politically dynamic swing state.

Who Is Devin Remiker?

Devin Remiker, a 32-year-old native of Two Rivers, Wisconsin, emerged as the frontrunner in a competitive race against two other candidates, Joe Zepecki and William Garcia. A party insider and former executive director of WisDems, Remiker brings a wealth of experience and a track record of trust with grassroots organizers, elected officials, and donors. His campaign emphasized the strength of Wisconsin’s Democratic infrastructure, citing achievements like securing a liberal majority on the state Supreme Court, re-electing Governor Tony Evers, and dismantling gerrymandered maps.

Remiker’s victory was sealed with 485 votes through a ranked-choice voting system, a method WisDems have used since 2019 but fully implemented for the first time in this election due to the presence of multiple candidates. His platform focused on continuing the party’s aggressive organizing strategy, stating, “The Democratic Party of Wisconsin works. We take on the big fights, and we win.”

The Legacy of Ben Wikler

Outgoing chairman Ben Wikler leaves behind a formidable legacy. Since taking the helm in 2019, Wikler transformed WisDems into a fundraising powerhouse, raising $262 million for state and federal accounts, far outpacing the Republican Party of Wisconsin’s $97 million over the same period. Under his leadership, Democrats won 10 of 13 statewide contested elections, including President Joe Biden’s 2020 victory, Governor Evers’ re-election, and U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin’s re-election. Wikler’s decision to step down, announced in April 2025, came after an unsuccessful bid for the Democratic National Committee chairmanship, with hints of a future book project to share lessons from Wisconsin’s Democratic resurgence.

Wikler endorsed Remiker, a move that stirred some controversy among candidates Joe Zepecki and William Garcia, who felt it broke from his earlier neutrality. Nonetheless, Wikler’s support underscored Remiker’s alignment with the party’s successful strategies. In a statement, Wikler expressed confidence in Remiker, saying, “Devin will do them proud. I’ll be there to support him, and our party, every step of the way.”

The Road to 2026: Remiker’s Vision

Remiker’s election comes at a critical juncture for Wisconsin Democrats. The state, a perennial battleground, played a decisive role in the 2024 presidential election, helping Donald Trump secure the presidency while also delivering a liberal majority to the state Supreme Court through Susan Crawford’s victory. With the 2026 midterms on the horizon, Remiker is poised to lead WisDems toward a “trifecta”—retaining the governor’s seat and flipping both chambers of the state legislature.

In his victory speech, Remiker rallied delegates, declaring, “It’s time to hit the gas.” He emphasized year-round organizing, grassroots engagement, and fighting in every election, from local to statewide races. His experience as executive director gives him a deep understanding of the party’s operations, and his endorsements from figures like U.S. Representative Gwen Moore, state Senate Minority Leader Dianne Hesselbein, and Assembly Minority Leader Greta Neubauer signal broad support within the party.

The Competition: Zepecki and Garcia

The chairman race was not without competition. Joe Zepecki, a Milwaukee-based political operative with experience in Barack Obama’s 2012 Wisconsin campaign, pushed for a messaging overhaul to reconnect with voters after Trump’s 2016 and 2024 wins in the state. Zepecki traveled 5,000 miles across Wisconsin to make his case, earning support from some county party members, like Brenda Vinall-Mogel of Burnett County, who appreciated his outreach.

William Garcia, chair of the 3rd Congressional District Democrats, campaigned on a “Grow, Persist, Resist” platform, advocating for more resources for county parties and a bottom-up approach to organizing. Despite lacking high-profile endorsements, Garcia positioned himself as a candidate who understood the needs of local party structures.

Challenges Ahead for WisDems

Wisconsin’s political landscape remains fiercely competitive. The state’s “purple” status means it swings between parties, as evidenced by Trump’s 2024 victory and Democratic successes in state-level races. Remiker inherits a party reeling from national losses in 2024, with Democrats nationwide grappling with an identity crisis and structural challenges, such as an Electoral College favoring red states.

At the convention, delegates expressed concerns about national trends, including protests against the Trump administration and safety concerns following targeted attacks on Democratic lawmakers in Minnesota. Remiker has pledged to rebuild trust in the party, focusing on economic opportunity and grassroots mobilization to counter these challenges.

New Leadership Team

Alongside Remiker, WisDems elected new officers to guide the party forward. Sarah Godlewski, a prominent figure, was elected First Vice Chair, and Joshua Taylor as Second Vice Chair, with Kim Butler and Randy Udell returning as Secretary and Treasurer, respectively. This leadership team will be instrumental in shaping the party’s strategy for 2026, a year that includes key races for governor, 17 state Senate seats, and a state Supreme Court position.

Why This Matters

Remiker’s election is more than a leadership change; it’s a signal of Wisconsin’s continued importance in national politics. As a swing state, Wisconsin’s Democratic Party serves as a model for organizing and fundraising, with lessons that could influence national strategies. Remiker’s focus on unity and relentless organizing could set the tone for Democrats aiming to counter Republican gains in 2026 and beyond.

The convention’s theme, “The Road to 2026,” reflects the urgency of the moment. With Governor Tony Evers yet to confirm a third-term run and critical legislative races looming, Remiker’s leadership will be tested early. His ability to maintain WisDems’ fundraising prowess and electoral success will be crucial in a state where every vote counts.

Looking Ahead

As Devin Remiker steps into his role on July 1, 2025, all eyes will be on how he navigates Wisconsin’s complex political terrain. His predecessors set a high bar, but Remiker’s deep ties to the party and his vision for continued growth offer hope for Democrats aiming to reclaim ground lost in 2024. Whether he can translate his campaign’s momentum into electoral victories remains to be seen, but the enthusiasm at the Wisconsin Dells convention suggests WisDems are ready to fight.

Thought-Provoking Questions for Readers:

1. How can Devin Remiker balance the need for grassroots engagement with the demands of national Democratic priorities in a swing state like Wisconsin?

2. What lessons from Ben Wikler’s tenure could other state Democratic parties apply to strengthen their organizing efforts?

3. With the 2026 midterms approaching, what strategies should WisDems prioritize to achieve a “trifecta” in state government?

Sources: Information compiled from various news outlets, including NBC26, Wisconsin Examiner, WisPolitics, and posts on X. For more details, visit Boncopia.com for continued coverage of U.S. News & Politics.