This story first appeared in Up North News
State Senator Kelda Roys is emerging as a key contender in Wisconsin’s upcoming gubernatorial race, pledging to address affordability issues and oppose former President Donald Trump’s policies. With Governor Tony Evers not seeking re-election, Roys aims to lead the state by focusing on family support and economic challenges.
“In this critical moment of great danger for our country and our democracy, we must have strong governors leading important swing states like Wisconsin that are willing to stand up to this Republican regime to protect Wisconsin families,” Roys said in an interview with Up North News.
Representing Wisconsin’s 26th District, which includes much of Madison, Roys is campaigning vigorously to secure the Democratic nomination. Her platform emphasizes economic relief for families and countering Republican policies.
With a competitive Democratic primary set for August 11, Roys is determined to “fight for our values, for our communities, for our democracy” and make life more affordable for Wisconsinites.
Roys argues that many Wisconsinites voted for Trump in 2024 because he claimed he would tackle the affordability crisis, but she asserts that his actions contradicted those promises.
Who is Wisconsin State Sen. Kelda Roys?
Born in rural Taylor County, Roys grew up with a social worker mother and a father in law enforcement. Now, at 46, she is a mother of three young children and a stepmother to two adult daughters. Roys, a lawyer and small-business owner, has a history of advocacy for women’s reproductive rights.
A Unique Opportunity for Change
Roys believes Wisconsin is on the brink of significant change after years of Republican-drawn legislative maps. She sees a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to elect representatives who will “actually get things done” and emphasizes the potential for a Democratic state Senate.
Opposing Wealth Concentration
Roys critiques Trump’s administration for enriching billionaires at the expense of ordinary Americans. “When I tell people about what Trump has done, all the billionaires in his Cabinet and the ways that he has enriched himself and his family members and his political allies at our expense, it’s shocking to people,” she said.
Voter Frustrations
Roys expresses concern over Trump’s foreign policies, particularly the US-Israeli air war on Iran, which she describes as an unauthorized conflict. Constituents are frustrated with distractions from economic issues like rising grocery and healthcare costs.
Healthcare and Economic Solutions
Roys highlights the expiration of the Affordable Care Act subsidies as a significant issue for Wisconsinites, sharing the story of Bill from Ladysmith who may lose his insurance due to premium hikes. She proposes opening the state health insurance plan to more residents as a public option.
Educational Reform
Roys aims to end the school voucher program, which she believes diverts funds from public schools to unaccountable private ones. “Every single student in Wisconsin, no matter who you are or where you’re from, deserves a great, high-quality public education,” she stated.
Immigration and Public Safety
Roys calls for the abolition of ICE in Wisconsin, condemning its methods as incompatible with a free society. She is a sponsor of the No Secret Police Act, aiming to increase transparency in law enforcement.
Affordable Childcare and Health
Roys promises to make childcare more affordable, proposing that families should spend no more than 7% of their income on it. She supports investments in the Child Care Counts state program to expand access to daycare services.
Public Health and Safety
Roys commits to maintaining vaccine access, citing personal concerns about her immunocompromised father. She also collaborates with other Democratic leaders to reduce prescription drug costs.
Legislation Against Autonomous Weapons
Roys co-sponsored the NAW DAWG Act, which seeks to ban the use of fully autonomous weapons, or “killer robots,” against civilians. She voiced concerns over Trump’s potential use of AI in domestic law enforcement.
