MADISON– Melissa Sargent (D-Madison) released the following statement announcing an endorsement for her candidacy for Wisconsin’s 16th Senate District:
“Today, it is my distinct honor to announce an endorsement for my campaign for State Senate by Ada Deer. Ada has been a trailblazer in Wisconsin, fighting for underserved populations, and always leading with a lens of compassion and justice,” said Sargent.
Ada Deer is an advocate, pioneer, and activist, whose accomplishments are far too many to mention. Deer was the first Menominee to graduate from UW-Madison, the first woman to chair the Menominee Indian Tribe in Wisconsin, the first American Indian woman from Wisconsin to run for U.S. Congress, and the first woman Assistant Secretary for the Federal Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Deer’s work on behalf of the Menominee helped to pass the Menominee Restoration Act of 1972 (historic reversal of an unjust American Indian policy), returning the Menominee Reservation to federally recognized status. In her time as head of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, she worked to help set federal policies for over 550 federally recognized tribes. Her reach within the community through her work as an educator, social worker, and advocate, continues to touch countless lives.
“Melissa Sargent, a fellow Badger Alumna, continues to be an outstanding community leader. Melissa works tirelessly to be a voice for the voiceless, and to champion for bold ideas that will help our state. I am proud to know Melissa and to support her, as she works to bring her leadership to more constituents in her run for State Senate,” said Deer.
“It is my honor to be endorsed by Ada, an incredibly fierce woman who has been an inspiration to me and so many others in Wisconsin. Ada’s positivity and compassion as she continues to break barriers is outstanding, and I am truly grateful for her support,” said Sargent.
