Doughnuts and Democracy: Emhoff’s Kenosha Visit Aims to Boost Early Voting

KENOSHA, Wis. (Civic Media) — Organizers of the Kenosha Emhoff event knew their audience.  Doughnuts from legendary local bakery Oliver’s were handed out to those coming in the door for a Harris Campaign stop Thursday.

Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff rallied supporters at a “Get Out the Early Vote” event in downtown Kenosha on Thursday night, urging voters to cast their ballots early for Vice President Kamala Harris and other Democratic candidates.

The event, held in a converted bank building now used as a rental space, took place at The Vault at Historic 625, which is just blocks from where riots occurred four years ago. Live music filled the air as supporters waited with signs to hear from the vice president’s husband.

Emhoff was joined on the trip, which included a stop in Milwaukee earlier in the day, by Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Tony West, Harris’ brother-in-law and former associate attorney general. The trio energized the crowd and emphasized the importance of early voting in the crucial swing state.

State Representative Tip McGuire spoke first, reminding attendees that “voters decide elections, not polls.” Peter Barca, running for the 1st Congressional District seat, criticized incumbent Bryan Steil’s accessibility and outlined his platform, which includes middle-class tax cuts and protecting Social Security and Medicare.

During his speech, Emhoff highlighted the contrast between the current administration and former President Donald Trump, urging voters to “pay attention” to Trump’s words and actions. He also talked about his experiences as Second Gentleman, including his efforts to promote COVID-19 vaccinations across the country.

Although organizers had planned for rally-goers to march to nearby City Hall to vote after the event, the rally ran long, concluding just as polls closed at 7 p.m.  

The Kenosha visit is part of a series of high-profile campaign stops in Wisconsin in the final runup to November 5th. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is scheduled to visit the Fox Valley this weekend, while Senator J.D. Vance will rally in Racine on Monday. Former President Trump is set to return to Green Bay next Wednesday.