Wisconsin Democratic Party gives over $50,000 to Ryan Sorenson's mayoral campaign
Sorenson also received nearly $6,900 in support from a special interest group
SHEBOYGAN — The Democratic Party of Wisconsin has poured over $50,000 into the re-election campaign of Sheboygan Mayor Ryan Sorenson.
Sorenson is seeking his second term as Mayor of Sheboygan, a non-partisan office.
Under state law, political parties can give unlimited amounts to candidates.1 Last November, the party made its first donation to Sorenson’s re-election campaign in the amount of $249.58 but the largest contributions were made this month. On March 6th, the Democratic Party of Wisconsin provided Sorenson with $20,000 and on March 13th, the party reported contributing $30,259.04.2
To date, the Democratic Party of Wisconsin has provided $50,508.59 to Sorenson. We won’t know how much Sorenson’s campaign has raised from individuals until he files campaign finance reports with the City Clerk’s Office after the election. Ben Wikler, the Chair of the state’s Democratic Party was in Sheboygan on March 24th to campaign with “Wisconsin’s youngest mayor.”3
A Washington, DC-based liberal special interest group provided Sorenson with thousands of dollars in additional support. The State & Local Election Alliance reported spending $6,887.52 on March 28th to make robo calls on his behalf.4
Between the State Democrats and the DC dark money group, the flamboyant mayor has received at least $57,396.11. That is not including donations from individuals donating directly to his campaign. If re-elected, Sorenson’s second term salary will total $316,118.
Sheboygan residents have reported receiving several flyers in the mail from the state Democratic Party on Sorenson's behalf. In one such mailing, Sorenson falsely accused challenger John Belanger of not supporting trash pickup and road repairs. Belanger has voted in favor of both, as recorded by the City Clerk’s Office.
In 2021, the state Democrats donated nearly $3,900 to Sorenson’s mayoral campaign.
Other races
The Democratic Party of Wisconsin also provided $99.75 to Alderperson Grazia Perrella who is seeking her third term on the Sheboygan City Council. The state party also contributed $305.33 to support Mary Lynne Donohue’s re-election to the Sheboygan Area School District Board of Education.
Sources
Republicans rewrote Wisconsin’s fundraising laws
Wisconsin Public Radio