Former Madison Alder Juliana Bennett has received the endorsement of the national Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) in her campaign for Wisconsin’s 76th Assembly District, her campaign announced.

The endorsement comes as several DSA-backed candidates have secured victories in Democratic primaries around the country, which Bennett’s campaign said reflects growing momentum behind her bid for the open Madison-area Assembly seat.

“People are tired of living paycheck to paycheck while politicians protect the status quo,” Bennett said in a statement. “Our campaign is proving that when working-class people organize, we can build the power needed to take on the political insiders and win. Hundreds of volunteers have knocked thousands of doors because Madisonians are ready for a representative who will fight for affordable housing, universal childcare, taxing the millionaires to fully fund our schools, and a government that works for everyday people.”

A graduate of the Madison Metropolitan School District and the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Bennett said she comes from a working-class family and currently serves as a caregiver for an aging parent.

Bennett previously served on the Madison Common Council, where her campaign said she authored legislation legalizing duplexes citywide, supported the development of more than 1,000 affordable housing units, secured millions of dollars for homeless services and undocumented communities, helped establish new municipal maps, and advocated for policies benefiting working families.

In a statement announcing the endorsement, the Madison Area Democratic Socialists of America praised Bennett’s record and said she has consistently supported tenants, workers, students, and other community members.

“From the moment Juliana launched her campaign, it was clear that working people across Madison’s Northside, Eastside, and Isthmus were ready for a fighter,” the organization said. “Madison Area DSA unanimously recommended Juliana for national endorsement because she has never been afraid to take on powerful interests and stand alongside tenants, workers, students, and everyday people fighting for a better future.”

The organization described the endorsement as part of a broader effort to build a worker-led socialist movement in Wisconsin and pledged to mobilize volunteers ahead of the Aug. 11 Democratic primary.

“I keep fighting because I know what it feels like when the system fails,” Bennett said. “Wisconsin doesn’t need more politicians who are comfortable with the way things are. We need fighters who are willing to challenge the status quo and deliver real results for working people.”

Assembly District 76 encompasses much of Madison’s Northside, Eastside, and Isthmus. The seat is open because current Rep. Francesca Hong is not seeking reelection as she campaigns for governor.