EMILYs List puts Ron Johnson ‘On Notice’ in 2022 U.S. Senate race

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: EMILY's List puts Ron Johnson 'On Notice' in 2022 U.S. Senate race

By: Bill Glauber

EMILY's List, the political group that supports abortion rights and puts its fundraising muscle behind Democratic women candidates, is diving into the 2022 U.S. Senate race in Wisconsin.

The group announced Tuesday that Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson is one of its political targets in the upcoming election cycle, an opposition program it calls “On Notice.”

Even though it doesn't mention her name in a news release, the move is the biggest signal yet that EMILY's List will support state treasurer Sarah Godlewski.

Godlewski is expected to soon enter the race in what is shaping up to be a crowded Democratic field.

Emily Cain, executive director of EMILYs List, said in a statement: “Senator Ron Johnson became the most unpopular Republican up for reelection by ignoring Wisconsin in favor of espousing conspiracy theories and blindly following Trump-first politics.”

Cain added: “It’s time for him to retire or be defeated by a Democratic pro-choice woman that will put Wisconsin’s middle and working-class families first.”

Alex Lasry, on leave from his executive job with the Milwaukee Bucks, and Outagamie County Executive Tom Nelson are already in the Democratic race. Gillian Battino, a radiologist, is also running.

Others considering jumping into the contest include Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes and Steven Olikara, founder of Millennial Action Project.

Johnson has not yet announced if he'll run for a third term.