I hope each of you are staying safe, warm and active this winter season! I’m Bianca Shaw, the new State Director of Common Cause Wisconsin. I’m grateful to be in this work with you – and excited to introduce myself and share what we’re building together in 2026.

You may have seen the announcement of my new role: I joined Common Cause Wisconsin to help drive our pro-democracy work statewide – especially strengthening protections for election administration – that include safeguards for voters and election workers, advancing nonpartisan redistricting to end gerrymandering, and increasing campaign finance transparency.

For the past 10+ years, I’ve been committed to strengthening democracy in Wisconsin through coalition-building, civic engagement, and equity-centered policy work – partnering with community leaders across the state to protect access, expand participation, and ensure government works for all of us.

In my first 45 days at Common Cause WI, I’ve been focused on listening, meeting with partners and election officials, and aligning our strategy for a strong 2026 – through election protection planning, strengthening internal systems, and creating a clear path for member engagement and action.

Here are a few recent highlights:

• December: We intervened in the U.S. Department of Justice v. Wisconsin Elections Commission lawsuit.
• January: I spoke with Spectrum News opposing Congressman Bryan Steil’s MEGA Act, and I testified in Milwaukee in opposition to MPD’s use of facial recognition technology.
• February: Program Manager Erin Grunze and I are attending a Wisconsin Democracy Defense Convening to prepare for upcoming spring and fall elections. We’re also collaborating on Election Protection preparedness planning related to immigration enforcement in Wisconsin.

Looking ahead, here are our Common Cause Wisconsin 2026 priorities:

• Build political power by engaging our members, partners, and communities.
• Win equitable policy reforms that center the voices of impacted Wisconsinites.
• Strengthen internal systems and grow a data-driven culture for long-term sustainability.
• Advance campaigns that defend democracy and meet this moment with courage.

You’re a key part of what makes Common Cause effective – your voice, your support, your action. I appreciate you and look forward to connecting soon. In the weeks ahead, I’ll share simple ways to plug in, what we’re watching in Wisconsin in real time, and how we can move together.

Thank you for being here. I’m looking forward to working alongside you. If you have questions or concerns, feel free to reach out at wisconsin@commoncause.org.

Respectfully,

Bianca Shaw

Common Cause WI State Director