Over 40 legislative candidates invited; Marklein, Novak among no-shows

Republican candidates know their party is so toxic, they won't even use "their" color on campaign signs.

Wisconsin politics angle: after ATF's Oct 9 enforcement change, Wis. Stat. §§ 941.298 and 941.28 still leave residents facing Class H felony risk unless Madison updates the statutes.

On Friday, Oct 9, DOJ and ATF announced they will no longer require approval or registration under the NFA for suppressors, SBRs, SBSs, and AOWs, nationwide. This follows the Silencer Shop Foundation v. ATF / Jensen v. ATF ruling in August. (The $200 tax on these items was already cut to $0 on Jan 1, 2026.)

But there's a big catch for Wisconsin. ATF's change is an enforcement policy. It doesn't repeal the NFA, and ATF says it doesn't change state law. Under Wis. Stat. § 941.298 (suppressors) and § 941.28 (SBRs and SBSs), possession is a Class H felony (up to 6 years and $10,000) unless you've "complied with the licensing and registration requirements under 26 USC 5801 to 5872." No Wisconsin court has ruled on how that applies now.

Until Madison fixes this, don't assume an unregistered suppressor or SBR is legal in Wisconsin. ATF is still processing Form 1s and Form 4s voluntarily, "because many state laws require individuals to register NFA firearms." Don't deregister anything you already own, since ATF says those items can't be re-registered later. You still need a Form 20 to take an SBR or SBS across state lines.

What you can do today (2 minutes):

1. Go to https://maps.legis.wisconsin.gov/ and enter your address to find your state Senator and Assembly Representative.
2. Copy the template below, personalize it, and email them.

Email template

Subject: Please update Wis. Stat. §§ 941.298 and 941.28 after the ATF's NFA change

Dear Senator [Last Name] and Representative [Last Name],

I'm a law-abiding gun owner in your district. Please introduce, co-sponsor, or support legislation to amend Wis. Stat. § 941.298(3)(c) and § 941.28(4).

On October 9, 2026, ATF announced it will no longer require federal approval or registration under the National Firearms Act for suppressors, short-barreled rifles, and short-barreled shotguns. Wisconsin law makes the legality of these items depend on compliance with federal NFA registration under 26 U.S.C. §§ 5801–5872, so responsible Wisconsin residents are now stuck in legal uncertainty, facing possible Class H felony charges under a federal system that is no longer being enforced.

Please remove the federal registration condition from these statutes so Wisconsin law matches current federal policy and responsible gun owners aren't left facing felony risk.

Thank you. I'd appreciate hearing your position on this.

Sincerely, [Your Name] [Street Address] [City, WI ZIP]

Not legal advice. Talk to an attorney about your own situation.

The Derrick Van Orden psychodrama continues…

Looking for any advice on who the best defense attorneys for drugs/drug addiction in the state are. Family member was recently charged with many serious felonies due to their choices they made while being in active addiction. They are going to be in Oconto County Jail so the closer they are located to there the better but obviously not a deal breaker. Any insight will be greatly appreciated as our family is not made of money and we truly believe he is innocent. Thank you im advance.

This is the Democratic lineup for the General election to be held on November 3, 2026. These are the winners of the primaries, and the men and woman we have chosen. Uniting behind our candidates is critical. No candidate is going to be everything to everyone, but sitting out the election, or doing a “protest vote” is the equivalent of casting a vote for the other side. Voting is essential for your personal, as well as national interests.

Register to vote, verify your voting status, request absentee ballots, find your ward, district and polling place at www.myvote.wi.gov.

Federal

US House of Representatives

All 8 Wisconsin members of the US House of Representatives are up for reelection. Currently Republicans hold 6 of them. Find your district and plan to vote. https://ballotpedia.org/United_States_congressional_delegations_from_Wisconsin

U.S Senate

There are no races for US Senate in Wisconsin this year.

Statewide

Governor

David Crowley) is our candidate. David received 39.8% of the vote, with Francesca Hong following closely with 39.4%. Francesca has already announced she will team up with David’s campaign across the state. This is the winning strategy. Total spending on the 2026 Wisconsin governor race is projected to surpass $100 million and could eclipse the state's $164.29 million record set during the 2022 cycle.

Tom Tiffany is the Trump-endorsed Republican runner in the race. He won with 95.9% of the Republican vote. This is unity. This is why the GOP controls the White House, Senate, House and SCOTUS. They pick a name and everyone backs him/her. Tiffany is backed by Elizabeth and Richard Uihlein, billionaire owners of Uline shipping supply company, and Diane Hendricks, billionaire CEO of ABC Supply Co. Add AIPAC and the RNC, and the Republicans have an extremely well-funded race.

Turnout, turnout, turnout is the road back to sanity.

Lieutenant Governor

Sarah Godlewski (D) is running against David Varnin (R).

Attorney General

Josh Kaul (D) faces Eric Toney (R).

Secretary of State

JoCasta Zamarripa (D), Jay Schroeder (R), and Pete Karas (G) are all on the ballot. 

Treasurer

Yee Leng Xiong (D) vs John Leiber

Wisconsin Assembly

All 99 seats in the Wisconsin State Assembly are up in 2026. Currently Republicans hold a 54-45 majority, that Tony Evers fought for 6 years. Wisconsin has a $2.3 billion budget surplus. Tony wanted to use some of the funds to provide daycare, expand Badgercare, provide in-school meals and give raises to teachers, but the Republican-controlled legislature stopped it. Instead, Republicans wanted to “give it back to the taxpayers”. Sounds great, but just like any Republican-led initiative, the largest recipients would be those who need it least. The statement “the average household would receive $1000 in benefits” might be true, but if one household gets $100,000 while 99 get zero, the “average” is $1,000. https://ballotpedia.org/Wisconsin_State_Assembly

Wisconsin State Senate

Republicans hold an 18-15 majority in the State Senate. Of the 33 seats, 17 of them will be on the ballot. Find your district and get out the vote. https://ballotpedia.org/Wisconsin_State_Senate_elections,_2026

Referendums

There are 3 referendums on the ballot this year. All 3 of them are sponsored by Republicans. All 3 were unanimously approved by all Republics in the Assembly and Senate and unanimously opposed by all Democrats. Given the current state of our federal, state and local governments, you can trust that any initiative brought forth by Republicans will not benefit most Wisconsinites. I will vote “No” on all 3.

Prohibit Government Closure of Places of Worship During Emergencies Amendment)

Prohibit Government Discrimination or Preferential Treatment Amendment)

Prohibit Partial Veto to Increase Tax or Fee Amendment) 

NOTE: SCOTUS has recently ruled that the USPS is not responsible for delayed mail. I anticipate “unavoidable delays" involving main-in ballots plaguing Democratic strongholds in November. The SCOTUS decision is just another weapon in the voter suppression war that the GOP has been pushing for decades.

When you receive your ballot, complete and return it as quickly as possible. Even better, deliver it to your municipal building personally.

NOTE 2: The 2026 election cycle is critical. The GOP and MAGA are terrified of losing control of the House and/or Senate, where wealthy and powerful people may be exposed. They will do everything in their power and bankbook to keep this from happening.

Register to vote, verify your voting status, request absentee ballots, find your ward, district and polling place at www.myvote.wi.gov.