Wisconsin’s April 7 spring election was defined by the high-profile Wisconsin Supreme Court race in which Chris Taylor claimed a landslide victory over Republican opponent Maria S. Lazar. The election made national headlines with the decision expanding the state’s supreme court Democratic majority to 5-2, which is significant given Wisconsin’s long history as a purple battleground state.

But Tuesday’s election also marked another meaningful moment in the steady rise of LGBTQ+ representation across the state. Everywhere from larger cities to statewide smaller municipalities, openly LGBTQ+ candidates stepped forward to run for office in increasing numbers. While not all were victorious, their campaigns collectively reflect a growing and increasingly visible movement of queer and trans leadership in Wisconsin politics.

Here’s a closer look at the candidates who helped shape this year’s election:

Vered Meltzer: Appleton Common Council – District 2

Vered Meltzer, an incumbent member of the Appleton Common Council, ran for reelection to represent District 2 in one of the Fox Valley’s most closely watched local races.

Meltzer faced a challenge from newcomer Charles Brown, creating a clear two-person contest between an established progressive officeholder and a first-time candidate. In the April 7 election, Meltzer won reelection decisively, securing another term on the council and maintaining his seat representing Appleton’s District 2.

First elected in 2015, Meltzer made history as Wisconsin’s first openly transgender elected official, a milestone recognized by LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations statewide. His initial victory was widely seen as a breakthrough moment for transgender political representation in the state.

More than a decade later, Meltzer remains one of the most visible openly trans elected officials in Wisconsin. In his reelection campaign, he emphasized constituent services, infrastructure, and responsive local governance.

Rachel Eve Maes: Brown County Supervisor – District 2

Rachel Eve Maes ran for Brown County Board of Supervisors District 2, emerging from a three-person primary to face Luke E. Farwell in the April 7 general election.

Maes ultimately won the seat, marking a significant victory not only in Brown County but statewide. In doing so, she became the first openly transgender woman ever elected to this role.

An attorney and former Green Bay assistant city attorney, Maes had previously run for Brown County Circuit Court in 2021. That campaign drew statewide attention as Maes faced both institutional silence from the incumbent and harassment from right-wing groups, much of it focused on her gender identity rather than her qualifications or policy positions.

Despite those challenges, Maes built a campaign centered on justice system reform, including reducing racial disparities, addressing case backlogs, and expanding access to treatment courts, issues that continued to inform her approach to public service.

Nick Ross: Appleton Area School District Board of Education At-Large

Nick Ross, an incumbent member of the Appleton Area School District Board of Education, ran for reelection in one of the region’s most visible school board races with backing from the Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC).

Ross first made history in 2023 when they were elected as the first openly LGBTQ+ member of the Appleton school board securing one of the three available seats in their second bid for election. That victory marked a milestone for representation in the Fox Valley and helped position Ross as a leading advocate for equity and inclusion in local education during a year that saw more than 200 anti-LGBTQ+ bills in the United States.

In the 2026 election, Ross ran as one of three incumbents alongside Kristine Sauter and Jason Kolpack seeking reelection to the board. They faced a challenge from Michael Janke, an Outagamie County supervisor, for three open seats.

As of the April 7 election, Ross secured reelection, finishing among the top three vote-getters and retaining their seat on the board. Their victory ensures continuity for one of the district’s most visible LGBTQ+ elected officials, as well as ongoing advocacy around student mental health, inclusive policies, and support systems for marginalized youth.

Camden Hargrove: Menomonie Common Council – District 8

One of the younger candidates in this cycle, Camden Hargrove, a transgender man, represented a new generation of LGBTQ+ leadership bringing a grassroots, community-centered campaign to local politics in Dunn County.

Hargrove’s campaign was built largely on small-dollar donations from friends, neighbors, and supporters, reflecting a deliberately local and people-powered approach rather than institutional fundraising. His platform centered on a clear set of priorities listed on his campaign literature: “I’m running because Menomonie should be a place where every person, family, student, and neighbor thrives — with strong public education, safe, affordable housing, a fun, active downtown, and local leadership that listens and responds. I’m running because Menomonie is my home, it’s where my family lives, it’s where my kids go to school, and because I believe city government works best when it listens to everyone, not just a few.”

He also entered the race with backing from major labor and progressive organizations, including the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO and Wisconsin Progress, signaling broader support for his platform beyond Menomonie. Hargrove won his election with 118 votes against opponent Mary Solberg, who was the city council president and had held her seat for the last 16 years.

Aria X. Trucios: Dane County Board of Supervisors – District 9

Aria X. Trucios, a nonbinary candidate, ran for Dane County Board of Supervisors District 9, bringing a platform rooted in equity, housing justice, and community-centered governance to one of Madison’s most progressive districts with the endorsement of the seat’s most recent incumbent.

Trucios first entered the race emphasizing the importance of representation and lived experience, noting in an interview that their candidacy was grounded in advocating for marginalized communities and addressing systemic inequities at the local level. Their platform focused on issues including affordable housing, climate justice, and expanding access to county services, particularly for historically underserved residents.

In the April 7 election, Trucios faced Simran Arora in a two-person race for the open seat. Trucios won decisively, earning approximately 62.5% of the vote (3,064 votes) to Arora’s 36.9% (1,808 votes).

Their victory marks a significant addition to LGBTQ+ representation in Dane County government, particularly as a nonbinary elected official. In a political landscape where nonbinary candidates remain relatively rare, Trucios’ win underscores both the viability of openly gender-diverse candidates and the continued evolution of representation in local office.

Tarl Knight: Green Bay City Council – District 9

Green Bay Common Council candidate Tarl Knight ran for District 9 in the 2026 spring election, offering a platform centered on neighborhood investment, small business support, and inclusive community development. An openly gay candidate, Knight brought visibility to LGBTQ+ representation in local government while emphasizing policies aimed at strengthening connections across the city. As a downtown business owner and a leader in the Shipyard District, he advocated for continued investment in waterfront redevelopment, infrastructure improvements, and walkable neighborhoods.

Knight also prioritized affordable housing and the growth of Green Bay’s arts and cultural scene, drawing on his experience organizing community events and supporting local businesses. He highlighted his involvement with neighborhood associations and city committees, framing himself as a collaborative candidate focused on practical, community-driven solutions.

The District 9 race reflected broader conversations about growth, development, and representation in the city. Knight ultimately advanced to the general election and received 43.87% of the total vote, but was defeated by Ben DeBaker, who earned 51.86%.

Philip Gorman: Rock County Board of Supervisors – District 14

Philip Gorman ran for reelection to the Rock County Board of Supervisors District 14 seat, building his campaign around transparency, fiscal responsibility, and accountability in local government. An incumbent at the time of the race, Gorman emphasized improving communication with residents, strengthening cooperation between municipalities, and ensuring responsible budgeting to maintain essential county services.

A key issue in his campaign was oversight of large-scale development projects, particularly proposed data centers, where he called for greater transparency and opposed the use of non-disclosure agreements in public decision-making. His platform also highlighted balancing economic growth with environmental protections.

Gorman received an endorsement from the Wisconsin AFL-CIO, signaling alignment with pro-worker priorities and public investment. He has been active in community outreach through his campaign and has positioned himself as an experienced voice focused on practical governance. He ultimately won reelection against opponent Donielle Hamilton with 61.2% of the vote.

He is also married to State Senator Mark Spreitzer, who chairs the LGBTQ+ legislative caucus and is running for reelection this fall.

Willow Wallis: Rock County Board of Supervisors – District 16

Willow Wallis ran for the first time in April’s election for the Rock County Board of Supervisors District 16 after current representative Yuri Roshkin, who has served on the Board since 2018, announced he would not be running for reelection. They stated in their campaign announcement release that they seek to “Bring their passion for structure and policy to the county board.”

They have a strong policy background holding a political science degree from Beloit College and a master’s in educational leadership and policy from UW-Madison. They work as a policy analyst for children’s Medicaid at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and Vice Chair of the Young Democrats for Rock County, and they have received endorsements from State Senator Mark Spreitzer and State Representative Clinton Anderson.

Wallis won their race with 77.69% of the vote against opponent Connor Powers, who received 22.18%.

Nikita Ford to Replace Genia Stevens: Rock County Board of Supervisors – District 13

Nikita Ford launched her 2026 campaign for Rock County Board of Supervisors District 13 as a Beloit native focused on equity, economic opportunity, and responsive local government. Not an out member of the LGBTQ+ community herself, Ford ran with the blessing of supervisor Genia Stevens an out lesbian of color who had held that seat since 2021, underscoring the district’s history of LGBTQ+ representation.

Ford emphasized grassroots engagement, highlighting her commitment to listening to residents and advocating for working families. Her platform centered on strengthening neighborhoods, improving access to resources, and ensuring inclusive decision-making at the county level. She also earned the endorsement of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO, signaling support from organized labor and alignment with pro-worker priorities.

Her campaign messaging consistently reflected a focus on community-driven solutions and representation, building on her deep ties to Beloit and Rock County. Ford ultimately won the seat, joining the Rock County Board as part of a cohort of Beloit-area representatives.

Looking Ahead

With a high-stakes fall election on the horizon, the impact of this spring’s races will continue to unfold. But if nothing else, it is clear that LGBTQ+ representation in Wisconsin is an increasingly expected part of the state’s political landscape.

Tuesday’s results underscore that LGBTQ+ representation in Wisconsin is growing across the ballot. Local victories and competitive races in places like Rock County and Green Bay exist alongside higher-profile statewide and legislative efforts led by candidates such as Mark Pocan, Mark Spreitzer, Dina Nina Martinez-Rutherford, and Jocasta Zamarripa. The presence of openly LGBTQ+ candidates in so many races signals continued momentum and gives us glimpses into a future where representation is an expectation rather than an exception in Wisconsin politics.

If you know of other out LGBTQ+ candidates who ran in Tuesday’s statewide election who were not represented here, please reach out to [email protected] so we can add them!