Candidate Answers: Steven Doelder SD11
We sent all candidates for the state legislature with contested primary races a set of questions. We are publishing their responses as we receive them.
Here’s answers from Steven Doelder who is running in State Senate District 11 in Southeast Wisconsin. SD11 leans deep red (+28 Republican), but it is an open seat because Stephen Nass is retiring.
We haven’t written about SD11 yet, because it was not contested back in May, but Doelder now has an opponent, Adam Duda. We appreciate Doelder answering our questions, and taking on this long-shot race in a deep red district! You can read more about Doelder by visiting his campaign website.
The Questionnaire
1. Yes or no, will you help repeal or re-write the following harmful legislation:
Collective bargaining restriction (2011 Act 10)?
Yes.
The Shared Revenue Deal (2023 Act 12)?
Yes.
Felony trespass for water protectors (2019 Act 33)?
Yes.
The 1848 abortion law?
Yes.
The anti-BDS law (2017 Act 248)?
Yes.
The IHRA law (2025 Act 143)?
Yes.
2. Yes or No, will you vote for the following proposed legislation?
The socialist caucus' tax plan?
Yes.
Yes.
Would have to look at the proposed legislation.
Tenant Protections, including Right to council?
Unsure of my position. Would have to look at the proposed legislation.
Unsure but would support a one-year moratorium on all large data centers.
The Hospital Accountability Act?
Unclear of the current proposal
The Climate Accountability Act?
Yes.
Yes.
Yes.
High speed train connecting Milwaukee and Madison to Chicago and Minneapolis?
Yes.
3. How else will you use your position in the legislature to advance an agenda that promptly delivers a more affordable life to people struggling in our state?
I would fund the daycare subsidy which expired on June 30, 2026. This failure by our legislature is projected to close 1 in 4 daycare centers in Wisconsin. Expand Medicaid in Wisconsin. I would also support funding to community health centers in underserved communities.
4. In recent years the Democratic Party of Wisconsin and the Senate and Assembly Coordinating Committees have heavily prioritized fundraising, especially from wealthy elites and the business community. How have you seen this impact Democratic Party policies, electoral success, and internal culture?
My number one priority is getting dark money out of politics. I don’t care whether is it Republican or Democrat dark money. I would support something similar to the Montana Plan and/or the legislation enacted in Hawaii to limit the influence of dark money into politics.