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Weekly Newsletter Jan 18-24th


 Hands Off Kenosha Weekly Newsletter

January 18–24, 2026



 January 19 CD1 Meet & Greet — Community, Conversation, and Momentum


Thank you to everyone who came out to support our CD-1 Meet & Greet on January 19. The energy in the room reflected the deep interest our community has in engaging early and meaningfully in this race.

A special thank-you to Mary, Jen, Sheila, Cheryl, Steve, Christy, Roxann, Therese, and Jeri for representing Hands Off Kenosha and making the event run smoothly. And thank you to Jen’s son, Austin, for serving as our official photographer for the evening.


Six of the seven possible opponents to Bryan Steil were in attendance. Unfortunately, Enrique Casiano was unable to join us after coming down with the flu during his ER nursing shift. For those who saw the original flyer and may be unaware, Gage Stills has since withdrawn from the race after learning that he and his wife are expecting.

The following candidates attended, spoke with voters, and engaged in conversations throughout the night:

  • Miguel Aranda

  • Travis Beckius

  • Mitchell Berman

  • Randy Bryce

  • Adam Follmer

  • Lorenzo Santos

More than 100 guests from Kenosha and Racine counties came out to hear from the candidates, ask questions, and begin shaping the conversation around the CD-1 race.

Candidate profiles are attached to this email in PDF form for those who would like to learn more.

We view this Meet & Greet as both a success and a learning experience — and as a springboard for a more formal candidate forum later this year, leading up to the Partisan Primary on August 8. Our goal is to give voters the opportunity to ask specific, issue-focused questions in a structured and accessible environment.

This is just the beginning.



 CUSH Vigil — Remembering Renee Nicole Good


Congregations United to Serve Humanity (CUSH) in Kenosha will be hosting an interfaith vigil against ICE violence, in honor of Renee Nicole Good, this:

 Sunday, January 25 5:30 PM St. Mary’s Lutheran Church

Religious leaders of CUSH will lead the vigil in remembrance, solidarity, and resistance.

We encourage you to attend and help share this opportunity for solidarity.


 Next Organizing Meeting

 Saturday, February 7 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Southwest Library, Kenosha

At our February meeting, we’ll focus on:

  • Planning protest actions and community events in February and March

  • Strategic, long-term organizing goals for 2026

We hope to see you there.


 Community Support & Volunteers Needed

Marieta Huff needs help at Immanuel Methodist Church (UMC) 5410 Sheridan Rd, Kenosha, WI 53140

The shelter is currently open to support the unhoused community during the cold snap. Volunteers are needed for 4-hour shifts (or whatever time you’re able to offer).

 If you can help, please call Marieta at 262-652-3784.


 HOK Leadership Notice

Brittany will be out of the office from Wednesday, January 21 through Sunday, January 25.

Should you need to connect with Hands Off Kenosha leadership during that time, please reach out to:

Thank you for your understanding and continued support.


 A Note of Hope

As we reach the one-year mark of the Trump administration, it’s understandable to feel worn down. But history reminds us of this: authoritarianism depends on silence — and it weakens when people organize.

Over the past year, we’ve seen neighbors show up for one another, communities mobilize quickly, and everyday people refuse to look away. What we are building now — relationships, skills, networks, and courage — is what carries movements through hard seasons.

Hope doesn’t mean pretending things are fine. Hope means staying engaged, staying connected, and staying visible — together.

And that work is already happening.


 Help Fund the Work

Hands Off Kenosha is entirely grassroots and volunteer-run. Every event, flyer, sign, banner, and organizing tool is funded directly by community support.

If you believe in this work, please consider donating:

Even small or recurring donations make a real difference and help sustain this movement.


 Closing Thoughts

From strong candidate engagement to new tools, community solidarity, and mutual aid, this week reflected the strength of Hands Off Kenosha. Thank you for continuing to show up, stay engaged, and build power together.

We move forward together.

— The Hands Off Kenosha Team

 
 
 

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