Christine Maltese

I believe our current campaign finance system needs a complete overhaul, regardless of political party. Too many loopholes create opportunities for money to influence politics without the transparency and accountability voters deserve. These loopholes need to be identified, closed, and replaced with clear, enforceable rules that leave little room for manipulation or misuse. Campaign finance laws should apply equally to Democrats, Republicans, independents, and the organizations that support them. No political party or candidate should be held to a different standard. I support comprehensive reform that strengthens disclosure requirements, closes loopholes, establishes meaningful consequences for violations, and makes it easier for the public to follow the money. Voters deserve to know who is financing political campaigns and how that money is being spent. Accountability should never depend on which party benefits.

In their own words·As of October 2026

I support the legalization of medical cannabis and the responsible, regulated legalization of recreational cannabis for adults in Wisconsin. I believe adults should have the freedom to make personal choices while recognizing that legalization must come with clear rules, responsible oversight, and accountability. Wisconsin should establish sensible regulations addressing product safety, age restrictions, impaired driving, licensing, and taxation. Legalization also presents an opportunity to examine how cannabis-related offenses have affected individuals and our criminal justice system, including whether certain past convictions deserve reconsideration. I believe we should learn from the experiences of other states, understand both the benefits and potential risks, and develop policies that protect public health and safety while treating adults fairly. Any tax revenue generated should be managed transparently and used responsibly.

In their own words·As of October 2026

I believe every person deserves to be treated with dignity, fairness, and respect, regardless of their race, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, or background. Civil rights should never depend on someone's political affiliation, financial circumstances, or where they live. To me, equality means more than simply saying everyone should be treated fairly. It means recognizing when barriers prevent people from having the same opportunities and being willing to address those barriers. I support protecting civil rights, enforcing laws against discrimination, and ensuring that people have fair access to education, employment, housing, healthcare, and public services. I also believe we can have thoughtful conversations about equality without turning people against one another. Protecting one person's rights should not require diminishing someone else's. Our laws should protect individual freedoms, provide equal protection, and hold everyone to the same standards, including those in positions of power.

In their own words·As of October 2026

When people purchase equipment, vehicles, or technology, I believe they should have reasonable options for maintaining and repairing what they own. Restrictions on repairs can increase costs and create unnecessary difficulties for consumers, farmers, and small businesses. Consumer protection should consider safety, fair competition, and the practical realities of ownership.

In their own words·As of October 2026

The rising cost of housing, groceries, utilities, and everyday necessities is placing pressure on household budgets. I believe we need to look carefully at how state policies affect these expenses and whether they create additional financial burdens for families and seniors. Affordability is about more than numbers on a budget; it's about people's ability to live with financial stability.

In their own words·As of October 2026

I recognize the potential of cryptocurrency, blockchain, and digital assets to create new opportunities in our financial system. However, I have serious concerns about the lack of consistent consumer protections, market volatility, fraud, and the potential for these technologies to be misused. I believe innovation should never come at the expense of financial security or accountability. Digital assets can be difficult for consumers to understand, and when something goes wrong, recovering lost funds may be nearly impossible. The potential for money laundering, scams, and market manipulation raises additional concerns. I support clear, enforceable regulations that protect consumers, require transparency, and hold companies accountable without unnecessarily preventing legitimate innovation. My position is not against digital assets themselves. It is against allowing financial technologies to operate without appropriate safeguards, leaving everyday people to bear the consequences when those systems fail or are exploited.

In their own words·As of October 2026

Having spent my career in technology, I recognize the importance of innovation and the growing demand for digital infrastructure. However, I have serious concerns about large-scale data centers and their long-term impact on Wisconsin communities. These facilities can require significant amounts of electricity and water, potentially placing additional pressure on natural resources, infrastructure, and utility costs for residents. I question whether the permanent jobs and economic benefits justify the resources required, particularly when public incentives or taxpayer-funded infrastructure are involved. I believe communities deserve complete transparency about environmental impacts, financial obligations, and long-term costs before these projects move forward. I am not opposed to technological progress, but I believe corporations should be responsible for the costs associated with their developments rather than shifting those burdens onto local residents and taxpayers.

In their own words·As of October 2026

Having worked in technology, I understand how much personal information organizations collect and how damaging its misuse can be. I believe individuals deserve to know what data is collected, how it is used, and with whom it is shared. I support meaningful consent, reasonable limits on unnecessary data collection, strong security protections, and accountability when organizations fail to protect personal information.

In their own words·As of October 2026

Having spent my career in technology, I understand the opportunities that digital assets and cryptocurrency may offer, but I also recognize the serious risks when financial innovation moves faster than consumer protections and regulatory oversight. I support clear, enforceable regulations that address fraud, money laundering, market manipulation, cybersecurity, and the protection of consumers' financial assets. Individuals should understand the risks of their investments, and companies handling digital assets should be held accountable for how those assets are managed and protected. My greatest concern is that these technologies can be exploited by individuals and organizations seeking to operate without transparency or accountability. When money is lost through fraud, security failures, or misconduct, consumers may have little opportunity to recover their funds. I believe innovation and regulation can coexist. Financial technology should not become a way to avoid the safeguards and responsibilities expected elsewhere in our financial system.

In their own words·As of October 2026

Our rural communities have tremendous potential, but they also face challenges that cannot always be solved with a one-size-fits-all approach. I believe supporting small businesses, improving infrastructure, expanding workforce opportunities, and listening to local leaders are essential to building sustainable communities. Economic development should benefit the people who already live and work here.

In their own words·As of October 2026

Older residents deserve to feel safe, respected, and supported as they age. I believe we need to examine access to affordable healthcare, long-term care, transportation, and protections against financial exploitation. Rural seniors can face additional challenges when essential services are far from home, and their experiences deserve attention when decisions are made.

In their own words·As of October 2026

I believe every eligible voter deserves an election process that is secure, accurate, accessible, and transparent. Protecting election integrity means ensuring that every lawful vote is counted correctly, election procedures are consistently followed, and concerns are addressed through evidence rather than speculation. I support properly trained election workers, reliable voting equipment, transparent procedures, and appropriate safeguards that allow election results to be verified. I also believe we must protect access to voting and avoid unnecessary barriers that prevent eligible citizens from participating. Election integrity should never be a partisan issue. The same standards must apply regardless of which political party or candidate benefits from the outcome. Public confidence is earned through transparency, accountability, and a willingness to examine legitimate concerns while respecting verified election results.

In their own words·As of October 2026

I believe protecting Wisconsin's natural resources is both an environmental responsibility and an investment in our future. Our lakes, rivers, forests, farmland, and clean drinking water are essential to the health of our communities, our economy, and future generations. I support practical, responsible environmental policies that protect these resources while recognizing the needs of farmers, small businesses, and working families. Environmental protection and economic growth should not be treated as opposing goals. With thoughtful planning, we can pursue both. As someone who works in technology, I also believe we must carefully evaluate the environmental impact of new developments, including large data centers and their demands on water, electricity, and local infrastructure. Sustainability should be about measurable results, transparency, and long-term responsibility-not political talking points. We should make decisions today that do not leave future generations paying for problems we could have prevented.

In their own words·As of October 2026

I believe corporations have a responsibility to operate ethically, protect natural resources, treat employees fairly, and be accountable for the impact their decisions have on communities. Environmental, social, and governance considerations can provide valuable information about how businesses operate and the long-term consequences of their actions. However, I have serious concerns about the growing influence large corporations have over government and public policy. Financial resources should not give any corporation a greater voice in our democracy than the people elected officials are supposed to represent. I support transparency, corporate accountability, and responsible business practices, but I question whether corporate activism always serves the public interest or primarily advances a company's financial or political objectives. Businesses have the right to express their views, but I believe there must be a clear distinction between responsible corporate participation and using financial power to exert disproportionate influence over public decisions.

In their own words·As of October 2026

I believe the people of each state understand their communities and their needs better than the federal government. Wisconsin is different from California, Texas, or New York, and our laws and priorities should reflect the people who live and work here. I support strong states' rights and believe decisions should be made as close to the people as possible. The federal government should not interfere unnecessarily in matters that states are capable of handling themselves. Its role should be limited to its constitutional responsibilities, including protecting the rights guaranteed to every American. However, states' rights should never be used as an excuse to take away federally protected constitutional rights. Those protections belong to every American, regardless of where they live. I believe Wisconsin should have the authority and flexibility to address its own challenges, make responsible decisions, and remain accountable to its residents rather than relying on Washington to determine what is best for our communities.

In their own words·As of October 2026

I strongly believe freedom of speech is one of the most fundamental rights we have as Americans. It protects our ability to question government, challenge decisions, express our beliefs, and speak openly without fear of government retaliation. Free speech is not just about protecting opinions we agree with. It is equally important to protect the right of others to express views we may strongly disagree with. A healthy democracy depends on open discussion, respectful disagreement, and the freedom to question those in positions of authority. I oppose government censorship based on political viewpoints and believe elected officials should welcome questions and criticism rather than attempt to silence them. At the same time, freedom of speech does not eliminate accountability for threats, harassment that violates the law, or other speech outside constitutional protections. Our First Amendment rights belong to everyone, regardless of political affiliation or personal beliefs. I will always stand for those freedoms, even when the words being spoken are not ones I personally agree with.

In their own words·As of October 2026

I believe public service begins with listening, asking questions, and being willing to learn. Elected officials should be accessible, explain their decisions, and welcome respectful conversations with people who hold different opinions. Government works better when residents understand the decisions being made and have meaningful opportunities to be heard.

In their own words·As of October 2026

I support the Second Amendment and the rights of responsible, law-abiding gun owners, including hunters and collectors. I do not believe the answer to gun violence is taking firearms away from people who legally and responsibly own them. But I also know firsthand what gun violence can do. I survived the 2018 workplace shooting in Middleton, Wisconsin, and that experience will always be part of how I approach this issue. I strongly support universal background checks, including gun-show and online sales, and closing loopholes that allow prohibited individuals to obtain firearms or the parts needed to assemble them. I also support red-flag laws with meaningful due-process protections when someone presents a serious danger to themselves or others. When a court determines someone should not possess a firearm, that restriction must be enforceable. I believe we can respect constitutional rights while taking practical steps to prevent violence. Protecting responsible gun ownership and protecting human lives should not be opposing goals.

In their own words·As of October 2026

Access to healthcare should not depend on someone's ZIP code. Rural communities face unique challenges, including provider shortages, long travel distances, and the rising cost of care. I believe we need practical solutions that strengthen local healthcare services and help families receive the care they need closer to home.

In their own words·As of October 2026

I believe every Wisconsin resident should have the opportunity to pursue education or career training without facing overwhelming financial barriers. Whether someone chooses a four-year university, technical college, apprenticeship, or skilled trade, the opportunity to build a successful future should be within reach. I support making higher education more affordable through responsible state funding, transparent tuition and fees, expanded financial aid, and stronger partnerships between educational institutions and employers. We must also recognize that not every career requires a four-year degree. Wisconsin needs skilled workers, and technical education and apprenticeship programs deserve the same respect and attention as traditional college pathways. Affordability must also come with accountability. Educational institutions should be transparent about costs, student outcomes, and how public funding is spent. My goal is to help Wisconsin residents gain the skills and education they need without being burdened by unnecessary debt, while remaining fiscally responsible to taxpayers.

In their own words·As of October 2026

I believe every child deserves access to a quality education, regardless of where they live or their individual needs. Wisconsin must examine how we fund public schools, particularly special education, so districts have the resources to serve students without placing an unreasonable burden on local property taxpayers. We need solutions that are both educationally sound and fiscally responsible.

In their own words·As of October 2026

A strong workforce requires opportunities for people to develop skills, earn a living, and adapt as industries change. I believe technical education, apprenticeships, and partnerships between employers and educational institutions deserve attention. Workforce development should also recognize the needs of rural communities and people seeking new career opportunities later in life.

In their own words·As of October 2026

I believe every person deserves to be treated with dignity, fairness, and respect, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The rights and freedoms guaranteed to Americans should apply equally to everyone. I support protecting LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination in employment, housing, education, and access to public services. No one should have to live in fear of being treated unfairly simply because of who they are or whom they love. I also believe in personal freedom, privacy, and the importance of allowing individuals and families to make personal decisions without unnecessary government interference. We may not always agree on every issue, but disagreement should never become an excuse for discrimination, harassment, or denying someone their basic rights. As an elected representative, my responsibility would be to serve everyone in my district, not just those who share my personal beliefs. I believe we can respect individual freedoms, protect equal rights, and treat one another with compassion and dignity.

In their own words·As of October 2026

Mental healthcare is an important part of overall health, yet access to services can be difficult, especially in rural communities. I believe we need to examine provider availability, affordability, crisis response, and the barriers that prevent people from seeking help. Mental health deserves the same thoughtful attention as other healthcare needs.

In their own words·As of October 2026

I believe Wisconsin's parks, trails, lakes, forests, and recreational areas are among our state's greatest assets. They provide opportunities for families to spend time together, encourage healthy lifestyles, support local businesses, and contribute to the quality of life in our communities. I support maintaining and protecting our state and local parks while ensuring they remain accessible and affordable for residents and visitors. Outdoor recreation is also an important part of Wisconsin's economy, supporting tourism, small businesses, and jobs throughout our rural communities. At the same time, we must be responsible with taxpayer dollars. I believe maintaining existing facilities, addressing safety concerns, and protecting natural resources should be priorities when considering recreational investments. Not every community has the same needs or resources. Local residents should have a meaningful voice in deciding which recreational improvements will benefit their communities. Our parks and recreational opportunities should be preserved and responsibly maintained so future generations can enjoy them as much as we do today.

In their own words·As of October 2026

While campaigning throughout Wisconsin's 72nd Assembly District, I have met residents who are genuinely confused about who represents them. One year they were in one district, and after the maps changed, they found themselves in another. That confusion makes it harder for people to know whom to contact and hold accountable. I understand that district boundaries must periodically change to reflect population shifts. What I strongly oppose is manipulating those boundaries for political advantage. I support an independent, nonpartisan redistricting process with clear rules, public input, and full transparency. Those standards must apply equally to Republicans and Democrats. Candidates should earn the trust of voters through their ideas, actions, and willingness to serve-not through boundaries drawn to protect political power. **Voters should choose their representatives. Representatives should not choose their voters.**

In their own words·As of October 2026

I believe reproductive healthcare decisions are deeply personal and should remain between a woman and her healthcare provider. Government should never be in the room making those decisions for her. I respect that people hold different personal, moral, and religious beliefs about abortion, but I do not believe those beliefs should determine another woman's medical decisions. I support protecting the right to make informed reproductive healthcare choices without government interference.

In their own words·As of October 2026

Small businesses are an important part of our communities, providing jobs, services, and local investment. I believe we should listen to business owners about the challenges they face, including rising operating costs, workforce shortages, and complicated regulations. Supporting local businesses means understanding what they need to remain sustainable and competitive.

In their own words·As of October 2026

I strongly support protecting children from the risks associated with social media and online platforms. Technology has created tremendous opportunities for learning and communication, but it has also exposed young people to cyberbullying, online predators, exploitation, harmful content, and the misuse of their personal information. I believe social media companies must take greater responsibility for the safety of children using their platforms. I support stronger privacy protections for minors, age-appropriate safety measures, parental tools, and greater transparency about how platforms collect information and recommend content to young users. However, protecting children should not come at the expense of everyone's privacy or constitutional rights. Regulations must be carefully designed, practical, and enforceable. Parents have an important role in guiding their children's online activities, but they should not have to face these challenges alone. I believe innovation and child safety can coexist, and technology companies should be held accountable when they fail to take reasonable steps to protect young users.

In their own words·As of October 2026

I believe Social Security and Medicare are commitments we have made to generations of Americans who have worked, contributed, and planned their futures around these programs. Those commitments deserve to be honored. I am deeply concerned about the long-term financial stability of both programs and believe the federal government must be held accountable for how their trust funds are managed. I support greater transparency, responsible financial planning, and meaningful efforts to address funding shortfalls before retirees and future generations face unnecessary uncertainty. We should be honest about the challenges, including changing demographics, rising healthcare costs, and the consequences of delaying difficult decisions. I believe protecting Social Security and Medicare requires fiscal responsibility, bipartisan cooperation, and a commitment to ensuring that the people who depend on these programs are not left carrying the burden of years of government inaction.

In their own words·As of October 2026

I believe social services play an important role in helping individuals and families through difficult times. Whether someone is facing unemployment, illness, disability, financial hardship, or an unexpected life-changing event, assistance should be available when it is genuinely needed. However, I also believe that with assistance comes personal responsibility. For individuals who are able to work, social services should provide a pathway toward employment, financial stability, and independence rather than becoming a permanent alternative to working. That means providing access to job training, education, childcare assistance, and other resources that help people overcome barriers to employment. At the same time, we must recognize that some individuals, including those with disabilities, serious health conditions, or significant caregiving responsibilities, may require ongoing support. I support compassionate, accountable social services that protect vulnerable residents, encourage self-sufficiency whenever possible, and ensure taxpayer dollars are used responsibly.

In their own words·As of October 2026

I believe taxpayers deserve to understand where their money goes and how government decisions affect their household budgets. Rising property taxes place pressure on families, seniors, and homeowners, and we need to examine how state funding decisions shift costs to local communities. Fiscal responsibility means looking beyond immediate savings and considering long-term consequences.

In their own words·As of October 2026

I believe teachers and school staff deserve the resources, support, and respect necessary to do their jobs effectively. We ask educators to meet increasingly complex student needs, often while managing limited resources and growing responsibilities. I support examining teacher compensation, retention, classroom staffing, and the additional demands placed on special education professionals.

In their own words·As of October 2026

I support term limits for elected officials because I believe public service should be about representing the people, not building a lifelong political career. Experience and institutional knowledge are valuable, but so are fresh perspectives, new ideas, and opportunities for others to serve. No elected position should become so comfortable that accountability to the people takes a back seat to maintaining political power. I believe reasonable term limits can encourage new leadership while allowing representatives enough time to understand the legislative process and accomplish meaningful work. Term limits should be applied fairly, regardless of political party, and structured carefully so that we do not unintentionally shift greater influence to unelected staff, lobbyists, or special interests. Ultimately, elected officials should remember that the office belongs to the people, not the person holding it. Serving in government is a privilege and a responsibility, not a permanent position.

In their own words·As of October 2026

I support a fair and balanced legal system that protects the rights of individuals while preventing misuse of the courts. Everyone deserves access to justice when they have been harmed, but our legal system should not be used to intimidate others, pursue frivolous claims, or create unnecessary financial burdens. I believe tort reform should focus on discouraging genuinely abusive lawsuits, improving efficiency, and ensuring that legal costs do not become an unreasonable burden on individuals, families, or small businesses. However, reform should never come at the expense of people who have suffered legitimate injuries or wrongdoing. Individuals must retain the ability to seek fair compensation and hold negligent corporations, institutions, and individuals accountable. I support reasonable safeguards against lawsuit abuse, greater transparency, and fair legal procedures that protect both plaintiffs and defendants. Justice should be determined by the facts and the law, not by who has the most money or the greatest ability to prolong a legal battle.

In their own words·As of October 2026

Veterans and their families can face challenges involving healthcare, mental health services, employment, housing, and navigating available benefits. I believe we should listen to veterans about where existing programs are working and where gaps remain. Access to services can be especially difficult in rural areas, making coordination and accessibility important considerations.

In their own words·As of October 2026

Reliable water, sewer, and utility services are essential to public health, economic development, and everyday life. Aging infrastructure and rising utility costs can create significant challenges for smaller communities and their taxpayers. I believe infrastructure decisions should be transparent, carefully planned, and evaluated for their long-term financial and environmental impact.

In their own words·As of October 2026

I believe women deserve equal opportunity, fair treatment, personal safety, and the ability to participate fully in their communities and workplaces. Issues involving healthcare access, economic security, discrimination, and protection from violence deserve thoughtful attention. Public policy should be evaluated by how it affects women's everyday lives and opportunities.

In their own words·As of October 2026