Wisconsin Democrats Strengthen Rural Campaigns Ahead of November Election

Harris-Walz State Campaign Manager Garren Randolph discusses outreach in central and rural Wisconsin on The Chad Holmes Show

As the 2024 presidential election approaches, Wisconsin Democrats are focusing on a key strategy to secure another victory. They are strengthening their outreach in rural and central regions of the state. Harris-Walz Wisconsin Campaign Manager Garren Randolph joined Chad Holmes, host of The Chad Holmes Show, to talk about the ongoing efforts in areas often considered Republican strongholds. 

We’re seeing stronger engagement in areas like Marathon County and Western Wisconsin. This is crucial because if we can make up margins in these regions, it becomes much harder for Republicans to win.

Garren Randolph, Harris-Walz state campaign manager

“We’re not just relying on Madison and Milwaukee,” Randolph says. “This race is going to be close, and we’re working hard to compete everywhere, from Wausau to Stevens Point, and beyond. We’ve got nearly 50 offices across the state and over 200 staff on the ground talking to voters.”

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Randolph previously managed the Biden-Harris campaign in 2020 and he highlighted the lessons learned from it. Unlike past campaigns, the infrastructure built four years ago has remained in place, allowing Democrats to quickly mobilize and scale operations ahead of the election.

“One of the key changes is our increased focus on rural voters,” Randolph explained. “We’re seeing stronger engagement in areas like Marathon County and Western Wisconsin. This is crucial because if we can make up margins in these regions, it becomes much harder for Republicans to win.”

This strategy comes at a time when the Democratic ticket, led by Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota, is aiming to energize voters across the state. The selection of Walz is also bringing fresh momentum to the campaign, particularly in western Wisconsin, where voters are familiar with his leadership in Minnesota.

Randolph emphasized the contrast between the two tickets, pointing to the Republican pairing of Donald Trump and JD Vance. 

“The Harris-Walz campaign offers a vision for progress, while the other side is pushing a backward agenda that threatens reproductive rights and healthcare access,” he says.

Wisconsin remains one of the critical battlegrounds with only weeks left before election day. Democrats are counting on the energy at the top of the ticket to boost down-ballot candidates as well, particularly with the recent changes to the state’s legislative maps. 

“Fair maps give us a fair shot at competing everywhere, and we’re ready to do just that,” Randolph says.