Jimmy grew up in a working-class home, married Ashley, his high-school sweetheart, and became the first in his family to attend and graduate from college. But Jimmy’s life was forever changed just before his final year at UW Law School when a drunk driver took the lives of his parents and brother, and left Jimmy paralyzed from the chest down.
After the tragedy, Jimmy and Ashley made a promise to commit themselves to helping others. Jimmy graduated law school and then started Drive Clear, a nonprofit dedicated to helping the victims of drunk driving and working with groups like the Madison/Dane County Tavern League to empower people to make smart decisions before getting behind the wheel.
But Jimmy’s commitment and passion goes far beyond issues of drunk driving. It’s his goal to be a truly progressive voice in the Assembly as your representative.
Jimmy lives in Fitchburg with Ashley, who works as a veterinarian, along with their two dogs, three cats, two rabbits, and gecko.
Jimmy is a dedicated progressive who feels that our politicians are too focused on serving the wealthy and well-connected instead of focusing on what matters to you. As your representative, Jimmy will make decisions based on core progressive values, not political calculations. He will stand against Scott Walker and his extreme right-wing agenda and promises to fight every day to protect our environment, reestablish the rights of workers, demand open and accountable government, and ensure that no matter who you are, who you love, or how much you make, that you will have the same opportunity to succeed.
After his own personal tragedy, Jimmy came to understand first-hand the importance of having a strong safety net and the need for our most vulnerable to be protected under the law. It is unacceptable that so many people have been taken advantage of and exploited for financial gain while our politicians do nothing. At the heart of Jimmy’s campaign is a desire to make sure that everyone has the rights, respect, and resources they need to make ends meet and provide for their loved ones.
A. I want to be your true progressive voice in the Assembly. We need to defend the education budget from draconian cuts, protect our environment, demand clean, open, and accountable government, and focus on what you care about instead of the corrupt special interests ruining our state.
A. For the past six years, Democrats have been losing ground in the Assembly. The status quo has not been working, and yet, our current politicians have done little to change course. We need new ideas, new policies, and new strategies if we ever hope to take back our government. That’s my goal, and with your support, I know we can spark real change.
A. Republican policies have caused great harm to our state but our current politicians have been unable or unwilling to turn things around. If we don’t act soon, we may lose the state for a generation. We need someone who will always defend our progressive values. Someone who can credibly stand against Scott Walker because he has never stood with him. I’m a progressive through and through and I will never give you a reason to doubt my intentions.
A. Absolutely. After my accident, I went back and completed my law degree and then started a nonprofit that has had a real impact on many people's lives. I have the drive and tenacity to be a strong and passionate voice for our progressive values. You can trust me to stand against Scott Walker’s radical agenda as I literally have more steel in my spine than anyone in the legislature. FDR saw us through the Great Depression and World War II from a wheelchair and I will aspire to channel his fortitude as I stand up for you.
A. My wife and I chose UW-Madison for our studies because we loved the community and saw Wisconsin as a place we could put down roots. It turned out to be one of the best decisions we ever made. It was this community that helped me after losing my family and so kindly supported the work I’ve done through my nonprofit. I feel lucky and privileged to call Dane County my home and I hope to continue to receive your support as I run for the Assembly.
Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC)
Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters (WLCV)
American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 32
Sierra Club
Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin (PPWI)
Wisconsin AFL-CIO (WAFL-CIO)
Madison Teachers Incorporated (MTI)
Clean Wisconsin Action Fund (CWAF)
Wisconsin Progress
SMART
Citizen Action
Working Families Party
Wisconsin Teamsters Joint Council 39
Tammy Baldwin Member of U.S. Senate
Mark Pocan
Member of U.S. House of Representatives
Russ Feingold
Former (and hopefully future) member of U.S. Senate
Joe Parisi
Dane County Executive
Kathleen Falk
Former Dane County Executive
Steve Arnold
Fitchburg Mayor
Susan Happ
Jefferson County District Attorney
Chad Speight
Monona City Council President
Jonathan Brostoff
State Representative
Daniel Riemer
State Representative
Mandela Barnes
State Representative
Chris Taylor State Representative
Melissa Sargent State Representative
Jake Johnson
Fitchburg Alder
Michele Ritt
Dane County Board of Supervisors
Al Matano
Dane County Board of Supervisors
Amanda Hall
Madison Alder
Maurice Cheeks
Madison Alder
Sandy Pasch
Former State Representative
Peter Bock
Former State Representative
Maggie Brickerman
Former Executive Director of Democratic Party of Wisconsin
Scott Resnick
Former Alder
Katie Belanger
Former Executive Director of Fair Wisconsin
Anne Sayers
Former Political Director Wisconsin League of
Conservation Voters
Jimmy will be going door to door throughout Wisconsin's 47th Assembly District to introduce himself and to hear what you want from a truly progressive voice in the Assembly.
If you would like to reach out and share your views, please send Jimmy an email or call him at (608) 509-4560.