Here in Chicago for the Democratic National Convention, there is a lot going on. Most of this is taking place inside the United Center, but there are other events happening all over town. Yesterday afternoon, I attended one of those events hosted by an organization called The Next 50, a group that focuses on the next generation of Democratic leaders, with a particular focus on those in state legislatures.

This event was called the “Reverse Coattails Roundtable”, and featured several state legislative leaders from swing states, including Sen. Mallory McMorrow from Michigan, State Rep. Sam Park from Georgia, and Greta Neubauer, the Democratic leader in the Wisconsin State Assembly.

After the event, I had the chance to sit down for a conversation with Neubauer. We talked about reverse coattails, and how races at the bottom of the ticket might help candidates at the top. We talked about the changing enthusiasm for Democrats, with Kamala Harris as the nominee, and we talked about Tim Walz and what he and Democrats have been able to do with a one-seat legislative majority in Minnesota. We also talked about new maps, and the chances for Democrats to win the majority in the Assembly. She thinks it can happen. She even predicted they’d win 52 seats. 

We also talked about Republicans like Robin Vos advancing more constitutional amendment referendums. We talked about what legislative Democrats have done in Wisconsin to protect the governor’s veto. We talked about a lot more, too.

I hope you enjoy this conversation with Democratic Assembly Leader, Greta Neubauer.