This article originally appeared in Up North News
As Governor Tony Evers prepares to leave office at the end of his term, Wisconsin State Senator Kelda Roys is positioning herself as a strong contender to succeed him, focusing on reducing family expenses and opposing President Donald Trump’s policies.
“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 told UpNorthNews.
Roys represents Wisconsin’s 26th District, encompassing much of Madison and nearby areas. Her campaign aims to secure the Democratic nomination and challenge the Republican candidate in the 2026 gubernatorial election.
Roys, who is both a mother and a small-business owner, is up against a crowded field of Democratic candidates seeking to succeed the current two-term Democratic governor. The primary is scheduled for August 11, and Roys has expressed her commitment to fighting for the values and needs of Wisconsinites.
Roys criticizes Trump for failing to address affordability issues despite campaign promises, stating that many Wisconsinites regret their 2024 votes for him.
Who is Wisconsin State Sen. Kelda Roys?
Raised in rural Taylor County by a social worker mother and a father in law enforcement, Roys is now a mother of three young children and stepmother to two adult daughters. Her husband is described as “a very patient man.” Roys, a lawyer and a small-business owner of a real estate brokerage firm, has also been an advocate for women’s reproductive rights, serving as the executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin, now known as Reproductive Freedom for All.
Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity
Roys sees the end of gerrymandered legislative maps as a unique opportunity for Wisconsin to elect representatives who will enact meaningful change. She believes strong gubernatorial leadership can significantly influence the state’s legislative actions.
Not Governed by Billionaires
Roys accuses Trump of self-enrichment at the expense of taxpayers, criticizing his Cabinet’s composition and policies. “He keeps saying that he doesn’t want to hear about affordability. Really?” she questioned, highlighting widespread concerns over high living costs.
Voter Sentiments
Roys expressed concern over Trump’s actions, including an unauthorized military conflict with Iran. She argues that these actions distract from pressing domestic issues like affordability, which remain top priorities for Wisconsinites.
Lowering Health Care Costs
Roys plans to address rising health care costs exacerbated by the expiration of ACA subsidies, which Trump and Republicans did not renew. She shared the story of Bill from Ladysmith, who may lose his healthcare coverage due to unaffordable premiums.
Public Option for Health Care
Roys proposes opening the state health insurance plan to all Wisconsinites and businesses as a public option, without costing taxpayers. This plan aims to provide a high-quality, nonprofit alternative to costly private insurance.
Ending School Vouchers
Roys advocates for a responsible phase-out of school vouchers, arguing they divert funds from public schools to private institutions lacking accountability. She emphasizes the need for quality public education accessible to all students.
ICE’s Presence in Wisconsin
Roys criticizes the presence of Trump’s ICE operations in Wisconsin, calling them incompatible with a free society. As a lawyer, she supports enforcing immigration laws fairly and opposes ICE’s practices.
Universal Child Care
Roys aims to ensure families spend no more than 7% of their income on childcare and proposes increasing childcare slots and provider pay. She has introduced legislation for a $15 minimum wage to support these efforts.
Vaccine Accessibility
Roys emphasizes the importance of maintaining vaccine access for public health, especially for her own family. She advocates for Democratic governors to collaborate on reducing prescription drug costs.
Legislation Against Autonomous Weapons
Roys co-sponsored the NAW DAWG Act, aiming to prohibit autonomous weapons use against civilians. She expresses concern over the potential domestic deployment of such weapons.
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