Kelda Roys

Criticized by both conservatives and fellow progressives, Kelda Roys is a Madison-based Democratic state senator whose political career has been defined by far-left ideology, progressive activism, and consistent alignment with liberal interest groups. Her political record reflects a philosophy favoring increased taxes, expanded welfare programs, government-run health care, legalized marijuana, and ideological activism over legislative results. Check the facts. Roys is too radical for Wisconsin:

Far-Left Ideology

  • Represented one of the most liberal districts in the Legislature and was described as one of its most liberal members
    Joe Tarr, “Mark Pocan And Kelda Helen Roys Spar Over Progressive Values,” Isthmus, 7/26/12
  • Publicly stated she has spent her adult life advancing “progressive policy change”
    Op-Ed, Kelda Roys, “The 26th District Needs A Proven Changemaker With A Progressive Track Record,” The Cap Times, 8/7/20

Economy & Government-Run Healthcare

  • Supports raising the minimum wage, universal paid family and sick leave, and government-backed public pensions
    Op-Ed, Kelda Roys, “The 26th District Needs A Proven Changemaker With A Progressive Track Record,” The Cap Times, 8/7/20
  • Called for universal paid leave mandates affecting private employers
    Op-Ed, Kelda Roys, “The 26th District Needs A Proven Changemaker With A Progressive Track Record,” The Cap Times, 8/7/20
  • Advocated for BadgerCare for All and immediate expansion to a public option
    Op-Ed, Kelda Roys, “The 26th District Needs A Proven Changemaker With A Progressive Track Record,” The Cap Times, 8/7/20

Education & Crime

  • Claimed Wisconsin could stop building prisons if funds were redirected to early childhood education
    Video, “Sen. Kelda Roys On Priorities For Wisconsin’s 2025 Budget,” PBS-Wisconsin, 6:02 – 6:40, 5/16/25
  • Opposes charter schools and school voucher programs
    Video, “Sen. Kelda Roys On Priorities For Wisconsin’s 2025 Budget,” PBS-Wisconsin, 6:02 – 6:40, 5/16/25
    Anna Groves, “Did Wisconsin’s Schools Chief Receive The Largest Charter School Grant In The Country?,” PolitiFact, 7/3/18

Abortion Extremism

  • Former Executive Director of NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin, a national abortion-rights lobbying organization
    Anya Van Wagtendonk, “Madison State Sen. Kelda Roys Joins Growing Democratic Primary For Wisconsin Governor,” Wisconsin Public Radio, 9/15/25
  • Co-authored the Abortion Rights Restoration Act, repealing Wisconsin’s abortion laws including mandatory waiting periods and informed-consent requirements
    Rachel Ryan and Anthony Dabruzzi, “Wisconsin Democrats Introduce Abortion Rights Restoration Act,” Spectrum News 1, 4/23/25
  • Publicly stated: “I’m all for legalizing weed, and abortion”
    Baylor Spears, “Wisconsin Gubernatorial Candidates Discuss Trump, Data Centers, AI And Marijuana At First Forum,” Wisconsin Examiner, 11/7/25

Drug Legalization

  • Explicitly supports legalizing marijuana statewide
    Baylor Spears, “Wisconsin Gubernatorial Candidates Discuss Trump, Data Centers, AI And Marijuana At First Forum,” Wisconsin Examiner, 11/7/25

Intra-Party Criticism & Political Missteps

  • Attempted to form an “Equality Caucus” criticized as a gimmick by the only openly gay legislator at the time
    Op-Ed, Christian Schneider, “Gays Unhappy With Roys’ Entreaties,” Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, 7/14/12
  • Introduced legislation overturning Wisconsin’s same-sex marriage ban, which advocacy groups said was “not helpful to the cause”
    Op-Ed, Christian Schneider, “Gays Unhappy With Roys’ Entreaties,” Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, 7/14/12
  • Former opponent Mark Pocan described her campaign decisions as “bad political calculations”
    Jessie Opoien, “Mark Pocan Declines To Praise Former Opponent Kelda Roys, Would Support Her If Nominated,” The Cap Times, 7/9/18