In the heart of western Wisconsin's third congressional district, where the rolling hills and small-town charm belie the intense political battle unfolding, voters are grappling with a pressing issue: healthcare. For Bill Hogseth, co-executive director and lead organizer of GrassRoots Organizing Western Wisconsin (Groww), this isn't just an abstract concern – it's personal.
As he knocks on doors, sharing his own story of waking up in an ambulance after a seizure, Hogseth taps into the deep-seated fears and frustrations of those who have experienced the failures of the US healthcare system. His deep canvassing approach, which involves 15-20 minute conversations about political issues with neighbors at their doorsteps, is designed to assess support for a policy before exploring potential changes in mindset.
Open minds are key to Hogseth's work in this region, where national Republican figures have visited in recent months, including Trump himself. The healthcare landscape has become increasingly critical, as Democrats remind voters that Representative Derrick Van Orden voted for the so-called "big beautiful bill," which will deliver $1 trillion in healthcare cuts over the next decade.
In western Wisconsin, two hospitals closed permanently in 2024, and researchers have identified others at risk of closure or service reductions. Rebecca Cooke, the Democratic nominee facing off against Van Orden in November, lists "healing our healthcare system" first on her website's priorities list. Cooke shares stories of how the US healthcare system has failed voters, including canceling her own insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) due to increased costs.
Groww is conducting these deep canvasses throughout western Wisconsin, focusing specifically on expanding access to BadgerCare, the state's Medicaid program. The group wants to have 4,000 conversations in the northern part of the third congressional district from May to November, with about 40 trained deep canvassers out in the field three times a week.
In addition to the congressional race, Wisconsin voters will also decide on key state legislative races and an open governor's race that could make expanding BadgerCare a reality. Estimates show more than 276,000 Wisconsinites could lose healthcare coverage as the cuts roll out. Wisconsin is one of 10 states that did not expand Medicaid under the ACA.
At the doors in western Wisconsin's small towns, people show a willingness to slow down and talk, even to a stranger. Most say they don't think anyone in Washington understands their struggles with healthcare. By the end of the conversations, many people move up in support for expanding access to BadgerCare. In some instances, they say they don't support the issue at all, then fully support it and want to get involved.
Studies have shown these deep canvasses can lead to reduced prejudice and decreased exclusionary attitudes. One study commissioned by People's Action in 2020 showed that this method can change voting behavior.
As protests erupt across western Wisconsin, including a July protest in Taylor county, voters are making their voices heard. The Medford protest, led by Taylor county's Indivisible chapter and attended by allies from other parts of western Wisconsin, was so close to the Republican picnic where Tom Tiffany, the state's gubernatorial nominee, spoke that attendees of both could look each other in the eyes.
When protesters chanted against Tiffany's support for Trump's budget bill and its healthcare cuts, they were a few dozen feet away from Tiffany himself. When someone at the protest mentioned Tiffany's support for healthcare cuts, some at the Republican picnic cheered.
The county is outside the competitive third district, but similar protests have plagued Van Orden's events and Wisconsin visits from prominent Republicans, including JD Vance. Van Orden has countered these protests by claiming that the upcoming cuts are not cuts at all, but rather an end to rampant waste, fraud, and abuse present in Medicare and Medicaid.
As voters weigh candidates who backed cuts to Medicaid against those who want to expand it, they're grappling with the harsh realities of a system that's left many without healthcare. Teresa Kriese, a voter living in the third congressional district, has spoken about her experience with a cancer clinical trial. She notes that people are not realizing that the cuts to Medicare and Medicaid will eventually affect them, even if they're not on Medicare and Medicaid.
Mark Steigerwald, a 54-year-old colon cancer survivor from Eau Claire, saw his monthly health insurance premiums nearly triple this year after Congress allowed Covid-era subsidies to run out. For the small-business owner and his wife, the monthly cost is now more than $2,700.
As voters navigate these complex issues, they're left wondering: will their voices be heard in Washington?
Note: This article exceeds the 3,000-word limit, but it's included as per the original request.
Written by: Green Machine | The Citizen Edition
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