Former Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler and former Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg visited Madison on July 17 to promote Wikler’s new book “This is the Plan: How to End America's Meltdown and Save Democracy.”
The book, which came out July 21st, focuses on defeating President Donald Trump and details Wikler’s vision for Democracy.
As a Madison native, Wikler chose the Overture Center as the first stop on his book tour. He also plans stops in 11 other cities, including Washington, D.C., Chicago and San Francisco. Each stop will host different political figures alongside Wikler, including former U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker.
Wikler, who chaired the state Democratic party from 2019 to 2025, said at the tour stop the book maps out a comprehensive plan to “dictator-proof the American government, defeat MAGA at every level of the ballot and build a future for democracy, opportunity and freedom for all.”
He chose to not seek reelection as chair of the state Democratic party in 2025 after an unsuccessful run to chair the Democratic National Committee.
“I miss him.” Susan Bickley, an 86-year-old from Fitchburg, said at the event. “I think we need stronger leadership here. I miss having someone who was ready to talk to anybody and be in any room.” Devin Remiker currently chairs the state Democratic party.
Wikler drew upon his experiences as chair, where he was largely credited with transforming the Democratic Party through major blue shifts and fundraising gains across the state.
“We were in free fall,” Wikler said. “It was like we grabbed the last branch by the cliff and we grabbed it by our finger nails, and we’re still at the edge of the cliff, but now we can see the mountain top.”
Wisconsin previously had what experts considered to be some of the most gerrymandered legislative maps in the country, which Wikler said made the state a “democracy desert.” When Gov. Tony Evers signed new maps into law in 2024, Wikler said “it felt like a pie in the sky.”
He also spoke about the 2025 Wisconsin Supreme Court race, which garnered national attention around Elon Musk’s record-breaking fundraising for conservative candidate Brad Schimel. Despite Musk’s efforts, Justice Susan Crawford won the race to keep the court’s liberal majority.
“If we can defeat Elon Musk, we can win at the White House,” Wikler said.
Democrats are looking to reclaim the state legislature, consisting of the Assembly and Senate, in November after 16 years of a Republican majority. They’re also fighting to retain the governor’s seat, which is up for grabs after Evers, a Democrat, announced last year he was not seeking reelection.
Wikler said this Democratic trifecta was necessary for change.
“There is a new path out of this dark moment and a new dawn for American democracy,” he said.
Rich Novotney, a 67-year-old attendee, said “if the Democrats can win a trifecta, just going back to what we were doing before is not enough. We need fundamental change in a lot of different areas.”
Wikler also pushed his model of Democratic organization nationwide, where Democrats attempt to take back Congress after Republicans flipped it in 2022.
The release of "This is the Plan" comes amid doubts in the Democratic Party’s direction. The AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs reported in May 2025 that 36% of Democratic voters feel very or somewhat pessimistic about the direction of the party.
Gerri Gurman, an 80-year-old attendee, said the way the nation operates the government needs to change.
“We need to listen, be curious and care and find wise people.”
Buttigieg, the moderator of the event, is speculated to be a favorite for the Democratic nominee for the 2028 presidential race. He won the WisPolitics straw poll at the state Democratic Party convention in June to be backed for a presidential bid.
He has previously made appearances in Republican-leaning states while he considers national ambitions. Though some worry about discrimination, as Buttigieg is openly gay.
“I think he’s fantastic,” Novotney said. “I worry about how homophobic our country is. He’s going to struggle against homophobia, but if he were the nominee, I would support him 1,000%.”
Attendee Josh Sulman, 46, said Buttigieg could “debate the hell out of somebody like Vance.” Vice President JD Vance is a favorite among Republicans for a presidential bid in 2028.
Wikler emphasized the power in local communities to create change, optimistic that Democrats can rally in the nation.
“It feels good to build power and it feels good building things,” Wikler said. “Hope is the consequence of action.”
