meet jz

A Wisconsin native and the founder of Zepecki Communications, LLC, JZ* served in the Obama Administration as a political appointee at the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) during President Obama’s first term.

A veteran of three presidential campaigns as well as campaigns for Governor and U.S. Senate, his work since founding Zepecki Communications in 2016 has focused on healthcare, education, democracy, and the role of Union members in building Wisconsin’s clean energy future. He lives outside of Milwaukee with his wife, Melissa Moore Baldauff, and their family. In addition to fighting to advance Democratic causes JZ has been a volunteer football coach at his old high school since 2018 and also a youth basketball coach in his community.

*yes, people really call him that, and no, he can’t spit rhymes like Jay-Z, that’s someone else

the gameplan

If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.

WisDems fundraising operation is the envy of every state party in the country. We need to keep that team and structure in place while following the highly successful Wikler model. Money follows message. Given our prominence as the battleground state, spring elections, and campaign finance laws we need to continue to communicate the stakes, the opportunities, and how year round organizing is an essential investment so we can build power with professional campaigns up and down the ballot. 

It’s the comms, stupid.

We need an immediate audit of how the party communicates, followed by a rapid rebuild so we (from party members to electeds and every ally in between) can more effectively take the messaging fight to Trump and MAGA every single day.

Invest in County Parties.

A 72 county infrastructure that’s built to last is the only way to capitalize on this moment. We can be leaner in headquarters and use those savings to invest more resources where they are needed most:  in the field. Because that is where critical races are won and lost.

Inspire the next generation.

From volunteers and staffers to the next wave of candidates waiting in the wings to step up, we have to do more to recruit and activate the folks who want to step up at this extraordinary moment - and support them when they do. When we give those leaders the training, tools and support they need, we win.

endorsements

  • State Representative Clinton Anderson

  • Carlene Bechen, former Village of Oregon Board Trustee, retired educator & Fair Maps Coalition State Organizer

  • Patricia Ruiz Cantu, Milwaukee County Democratic Party Vice Chair

  • Chandra Chouhan, former AAPI Coalitions Manager

  • Erin Forrest, former Emerge Wisconsin Executive Director and former CCA Chair

  • Stan Gruszynski, former state representative and former Obama USDA appointee

  • Kristen Hansen, President, Blue Sky Waukesha

  • State Representative Francesca Hong

  • Linda Honold, former DPW Chair

  • Rich Judge, Prairie du Sac Village Board and Sauk Prairie School Board member

  • Eileen Harrington, grassroots volunteer - Madison Northside Action Team

  • State Representative Karen Kirsch

  • Angela Lang, Executive Director, BLOC

  • Sam Liebert, former Janesville City Council President and U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy White House Liaison for the Obama Administration

  • Dr. Kristin Lyerly, M.D. - 2024 Candidate for Congress (WI-8)

  • Matt Mareno, Waukesha County Democratic Party Chair

  • Dawn Martin, Treasurer of the Milwaukee County Democratic Party

  • Former UW Regent John W. Miller

  • Steven Olikara, former U.S. Senate candidate

  • Rebecca Powell, Founder “Town Road Talk”

  • State Representative Amaad Rivera-Wagner

  • Former Wausau Mayor Katie Rosenberg

  • Former One Wisconsin Now Executive Director Scot Ross

  • Colleen Schulz, Waukesha County Democratic Party Vice Chair

  • State Representative Christine Sinicki, Milwaukee County Democratic Party Chair

  • Nancy Stencil, 7th CD Chair and Marathon County Dems Chair

  • Milwaukee County Comptroller Liz Sumner

  • State Senator Jamie Wall

  • Chris Walton, former Milwaukee County Democratic Party Chair

  • Jim White, Rock County Democratic Party Chair

  • Nate Wolff, Appleton City Council Vice President