Dane County Executive Joe Parisi made his first-ever endorsement of a political candidate Tuesday, throwing his support behind Madison mayoral candidate Satya Rhodes-Conway.
County Executive Parisi, a Democrat, joins the growing list of local individual endorsements for Rhodes-Conway. Since Rhodes-Conway announced her run for mayor last May, she has garnered the support of current and former elected leaders including over a dozen current or former alders, several state representatives, senators and two former mayors.
“I’m endorsing Satya because I believe she’s the person who possesses the qualities, commitment, and know-how to take on that challenge. Satya knows that we all must work together if we are to accomplish our common goals — and we have many,” Parisi stated. “I can’t wait to sit down with Mayor Rhodes-Conway and get to work, in partnership, to make our community an even better place for all who call our city home.”
Rhodes-Conway came in second in the February primaries behind incumbent Mayor Paul Soglin. Her campaign centers on transportation, climate change, housing, food policy and deep racial disparities. If Rhodes-Conway wins the mayoral race, she would make history as Madison’s first openly gay mayor.
Several national leaders and organizations have followed suit in supporting Rhodes-Conway, such as The Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund and Democratic presidential candidate and South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg.
Rhodes-Conway expressed gratitude for County Executive Parisi’s endorsement.
“County Executive Parisi has been a real leader on the issues important to Madison, and I’m honored to have his support,” she responded. “From Green Infrastructure and homelessness, to regional transit and affordable housing, I’m ready to work with Joe to deliver results. Dane County is the City of Madison’s number one strategic partner and developing a collaborative relationship with Executive Parisi will help us make Madison a place where everyone can thrive.”
Addison Lathers is the Editor in Chief of The Daily Cardinal. She has covered city and campus news and held two editor positions. Follow her on Twitter at @addisonlathers.
