United for a Stronger
Wisconsin
Meet Nasra Wehelie
As a community advocate for over 20 years and an alder on the Madison Common Council, I have closely observed the challenges and opportunities that shape our community. From affording groceries and prescriptions to ensuring our children receive the best education, these are the issues that matter most.
With significant changes to the District 80 map (#FairMaps), a majority of voters will cast their vote for this seat for the first time. I joined the race for State Assembly because voters deserve a strong, dedicated choice on the ballot—someone who will tirelessly work for our community every day in the legislature.
My experience serving our community has reinforced my belief in the power of community engagement, collaboration, access, and equity to create positive change. I promise to listen to your concerns and advocate for policies that will improve the quality of life for all Wisconsinites.
See Who Supports Nasra Wehelie
*Distinction and not an official endosrement
The New Wisconsin State Assembly District 80
This year, Governor Tony Evers signed the new Fair Maps into law, paving the way for fair representation across Wisconsin! Our District 80 map was redrawn and now includes over 50% new residents. They deserve a strong option on the ballot!
The new State Assembly District 80 includes Cross Plains, the southwest side of Madison, the Town of Middleton, and Verona.
A Path Forward for Our Community
Frequently
Asked Questions
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What are Fair Maps and how did they affect District 80?Fair maps are crucial for ensuring fair and effective representation for all voters in District 80. This year, Governor Tony Evers signed the Fair Maps legislation into law, redrawing district boundaries. These new boundaries promote accountability, reduce political polarization, encourage civic engagement, and address the unique needs of our community. By supporting fair maps, we aim for a more equitable and democratic electoral process that benefits everyone. This redistricting has significantly changed our District 80, adding over 50% new residents, especially in the Madison area. As a candidate, I bring fresh perspectives and new energy to address the evolving needs and challenges we face in our newly defined district. Voters deserve options on the ballot - that is democracy!
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Tell me more about the new State Assembly District 80!The new State Assembly District 80 includes the southwest parts of Madison, the Town of Middleton, Cross Plains, and Verona. The district is economically vibrant, politically active, and offers a high quality of life with excellent educational and recreational opportunities. My family has proudly called Madison home for the last 30 years. We have raised our four children here, who attended some of the best public schools in the state. We cherish the great local businesses, parks, and community spirit that make our district a wonderful place to live.
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What are you hearing from people at the doors? What issues do they care about?As I meet with residents throughout District 80, I’m hearing a lot of concern about several key issues. People are deeply worried about housing affordability, the overturning of Roe v Wade, quality of our public schools, access to healthcare, and the ability to afford their groceries every week. Many are also concerned about the environment and the rising threat of gun violence. A common theme at the doors is that residents feel their elected officials are not listening to them. They feel disconnected, unheard, and frustrated with the current political divide. I am committed to changing that by being a responsive and accessible representative. I want to ensure that every resident feels heard and valued. I will fight to expand access to affordable healthcare, increase funding for our public schools, advocate for small businesses, defend women’s right to make decisions about their healthcare, promote affordable housing initiatives, and work towards common-sense gun reform to ensure our communities are safe. I promise to fight for your family as hard as I fight for mine.
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Why are you running against a Democratic incumbent?I believe that democracy thrives on diverse perspectives and healthy competition. Every candidate brings unique experiences, ideas, and solutions to the table. When Governor Tony Evers signed the new fair maps into law this year, our District 80 map changed from more rural to now including over 50% new residents. The map now includes a large part of the southwest side of Madison area. These residents have never had the opportunity to have the current incumbent serve them. They deserve a choice on the ballot - that is democracy! I bring a fresh perspective and new energy to address our evolving needs and challenges. As a woman of color, I offer a unique perspective to the legislature, dedicated to advocating for the rights and opportunities of all underrepresented communities. I also vigorously support reproductive justice, ensuring all women have the right to make decisions about their own bodies and reproductive health. My campaign is focused on offering fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to the challenges we face in our district and state.
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If you and your opponent are both Democrats, what differentiates you?While we hold similar beliefs as Democrats, our policy priorities and backgrounds differ. As a woman and mom of two daughters, I am deeply committed to advocating for women's rights, especially as Republicans continue to strip away at these rights. While my opponent has done a great job advocating for women, nothing will ever change if more women don’t have a seat at the decision-making table. I will also bring to the state legislature over 20 years of experience advocating for criminal justice reform, economic development, sustainability, and affordable housing. For all of these issues, I bring deep-rooted community connections and an equity lens to ensure that every piece of legislation that comes across my desk protects the rights of all individuals. We must focus on justice, equity, compassion, respect, integrity, and community to create a stronger Wisconsin.
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Are you confident in winning against the Republican candidate in the November general election?Absolutely! I have out-raised my Democratic opponent and will continue to raise funds to power the campaign until November. I have a great team of volunteers (#TeamNasra!) who have been knocking on doors, writing thousands of postcards, making calls to voters, and more. We'll continue this grassroots effort to ensure that we win in November. District 80 leans Democratic, and recent elections have shown a tendency to favor Democratic candidates. However, actively engaging with the constituency and addressing their concerns is crucial. Running a well-organized campaign with a clear message that resonates with voters will solidify and expand my voter base, positioning me strongly for success in the general election.
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The incumbent is endorsed by Planned Parenthood. As a woman fighting for women's rights, including reproductive rights, why didn't you get the endorsement?Endorsements are important, but my focus remains on creating meaningful change through strong legislative action. Planned Parenthood and many other organizations bylaws typically endorse incumbents, even though our District 80 map changed and over half of the district is new. It's crucial to elect more pro-choice women into state houses all over the country as the threat of national abortion bans loom. The Wisconsin state legislature is only 30% women, highlighting the urgent need for greater representation. My campaign is dedicated to advancing a comprehensive agenda for women's rights, including robust protections for reproductive health. I am committed to working tirelessly on behalf of women and families to ensure their rights and healthcare needs are fully addressed.
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How will you work with all of your colleagues in the state legislature given the current political divide?While political divides can present challenges, I am committed to working with all my colleagues, finding common ground to advance policies that benefit all Wisconsinites. Many issues, such as economic development, infrastructure, healthcare, and public safety, affect all constituents regardless of party affiliation. As a board member of the Wisconsin League of Municipalities, I have worked with community leaders of all political affiliations. I’ve seen firsthand the challenges of different communities, and the power in coming to the table and building relationships. I will continue to do the same when elected to the state legislature. I know it won't be easy, but if you know me, you know I don't go down without a fight and don't take no for an answer. When I make a promise to my constituents, I work hard every day until we deliver. That is what I expect from my political leaders, and that is the standard I will hold myself to.
The Latest Updates
August 4, 2024 | Wisconsin State Journal | Letter to the Editor by Rebecca Krantz
Nasra Wehelie is the Kind of Leader we Need in the State Assembly
Wehelie has accomplished much on the Madison City Council and through many community organizations during her 30 years in Wisconsin. I have known her for 17 years and worked with her at the Grassroots Leadership College, CORE, the Center for Progressive Leadership, and on Muslim-Jewish relations.
July 12, 2024 | Verona Press
Letter to the Editor by Verona Resident Micah Farritor
I’ve walked nearly every street in Verona. I’ve bothered your dog, I’ve complimented your flower boxes, or your clever doormat. “Doorbell Broken, Just Yell,” is a favorite of mine. I’ve carefully stepped around your kiddos’ chalk drawings, and taken a break in the shade of your maple tree. I’ve met a lot of you, and I want to introduce you to my friend, Nasra.
June 21, 2024 | The Cap Times
Letter to the Editor by Former Madison Mayor Paul Soglin
These days every candidate in Dane County makes such a claim they are fighting for social and economic justice. Let us make that a reality. In the last legislative session, the lawmakers from Milwaukee worked to ensure that the state government provided adequate financial support for their city. Wehelie's opponent, the incumbent, had a chance to do that for Madison and Dane County in the last legislative session and did nothing.
March 20, 2024 | Madison 365
Madison alder Nasra Wehelie declares candidacy for 80th Assembly District, looks to make history as first Muslim woman in Wisconsin State Legislature
Madison alder Nasra Wehelie is throwing her hat into the ring to represent District 80 in the Wisconsin State Assembly. The longtime Madisonian has made it official with a press release this morning. If Wehelie wins, she will become the first Muslim woman in the Wisconsin State Legislature in the history of the state.