By Senator, Lena C. Taylor
State Senator Lena C. Taylor
I believe in the Democratic Party. Especially in the last year and a half, we have stood united against an increasingly extreme conservative agenda. I believe our greatest strength lies in our diversity. We have embraced inclusion instead of exclusion, a party that welcomes with open arms. As Democrats, we know that we stand together instead of apart. We know the value of solidarity.
Regardless, there comes a time and place to assert independence of thought and conviction. Primaries matter because our representatives matter, because they will be the leaders carrying the fight forward. Politics is about ideas, and our ideas rely on our values.
Our values have been shaped by our experiences. For a successful Democratic Party, we demand a leadership with diverse experiences. Without diversity of experience, we will never achieve diversity of ideas. Without diversity of ideas, the progressive movement risks complacency and defeat.
On August 14, Wisconsin will hold a number of important primaries. Like all State Senate Districts in Wisconsin, mine is divided into three Assembly seats. These are the 10th, 11th and 12th seats in the Assembly.
In the 11th district, incumbent Jason Fields is running against newcomer Mandela Barnes. In the 11th district, four women have chosen to run. Three women, Millie Coby, Harriet Callier, and Ieshuh Griffin are African Americans. One, Sandy Pasch is a White woman. All would be excellent legislators, but their experiences differ.
As I argued in my column two weeks ago, African Americans are united by common experience and a shared history. I believe that the interests of a predominantly African American district will be best represented by an African American.
I believe that Wisconsin’s progressive movement would benefit from a diverse leadership.
Wisconsin has never been famous for supporting diversity in leadership. You may be surprised to know that I was the 1000th State Senator elected in Wisconsin. You should be disappointed to learn that I am only the 20th woman ever elected to the State Senate in Wisconsin. Moreover, I am only the 5th African and 2nd African American woman ever elected to the State Senate.
I cannot more perfectly express Wisconsin politics’ lackluster track record for diversity. Everyone knows that minorities and women have been drastically underrepresented. Out of 132 state legislators, only 8 are currently African Americans. By November, that number could be cut in half.
That loss of Black representation would be a blow to Wisconsin. It would be a blow to democratic ideal of the government for the people, by the people, and of the people. We haven’t had enough diversity in the past. Now, we must fight to ensure we are moving forward instead of backward. In August 14 primaries, I urge you to vote for candidates who understand your community and who share your values. And remember, their experiences matter.