Wisconsin, our beloved state, holds a significant place in the history of school choice. It was here that the first school choice program in the United States, the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program, was established in 1989 under the visionary leadership of Governor Thompson. This rich legacy is something we can all take pride in.

Wisconsin Family Action and Wisconsin Family Council are integral to the broader school choice movement. Our founder and first President, Marv Munyon, created our organization out of his work to create Wisconsin's private school and homeschool law, which gave Wisconsin parents a true choice when determining the correct path for their children's education. At the time, this law was one of the most expansive laws in the country to protect private schools and homeschooling options, and we are grateful this is still the law of our state today!

Christian education and school choice were essential in our founding and continue as part of our organizational legacy through our President Emeritus, Julaine Appling, who previously served as a Christian school administrator prior to serving at the Wisconsin Family Council. Even in my own life, I have greatly appreciated our history in the school choice movement, which led me to serve as the board president of my local Christian school.

The upcoming election on April 1 is of paramount importance to our organizations. As our President Emeritus, Julaine Appling, often reminded us at our community events, "Elections have consequences." This time, the consequences are particularly significant for the future of school choice in Wisconsin. The time for action is now.

On the ballot are two essential races. The first will determine the ideological balance for the Supreme Court. Liberal Susan Crawford will be taking on conservative Brad Schimel for an open seat due to the retirement of Justice Ann Walsh Bradley. This election will be the last chance for conservatives to regain control of the Court until 2028. It is critical for the school choice movement that Circuit Court Judge Brad Schimel becomes Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Brad Schimel.

The second will determine the Secretary for the Department of Public Instruction (Wisconsin's version of the State's Education Department) which has three candidates. The incumbent Jill Underly is endorsed by the Democrat Party of Wisconsin. WEAC, the liberal state teacher’s union has endorsed challenger Jeff Wright. The third candidate Brittany Kinser has previously served as the President of the Milwaukee Charter School Advocates. Kinser is the only candidate of the three who has not publicly spoken out in opposition to the school choice movement. As it stands right now, there will be a primary for this race on February 18.

As active members of our community, your participation in these elections will be crucial in shaping the future of school choice in Wisconsin, the birthplace of this movement. Your vote will not only decide the outcomes of these races but also send a powerful message about the importance of school choice across America.

This election is not just important; it's essential for Christians to be engaged in. We need to encourage others to honor God with their vote. The outcome of this election will have far-reaching consequences on school choice in Wisconsin, as well as on issues impacting life, marriage, family, and religious liberty.

Please ensure you are registered to vote and mark the dates on your calendars. We need every conservative Wisconsinite to make it to vote early by mail, early in-person, or at the polls on February 18 and April 1