(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
KENOSHA, Wis. — One of Wisconsin’s most recognizable parental rights advocates is throwing her support behind Sandy Wiedmeyer’s campaign for the Wisconsin State Senate.
Scarlett Johnson, the Wisconsin state ambassador and Ozaukee County chair for Moms for Liberty, has endorsed Wiedmeyer in the Republican primary for Wisconsin’s 11th Senate District, praising her as a principled conservative leader who has spent years serving her community long before becoming a candidate for public office.
Johnson has become one of the state’s leading voices in the parental rights movement. She gained statewide and national attention for her role in the successful effort to recall four members of the Mequon-Thiensville School Board in 2022 and has since become a frequent speaker on education policy, parental rights, government transparency, and conservative issues. She serves as Wisconsin’s state ambassador for Moms for Liberty, a national organization advocating for parental involvement in education.
In announcing her endorsement, Johnson said Wiedmeyer has consistently demonstrated a willingness to lead when it matters most.
“I’ve spent years fighting alongside parents who refuse to stay silent when our children’s futures are on the line. That fight requires leaders who show up when it matters, not just when it’s easy,” Johnson said.
“Sandy is one of those leaders.”
Johnson credited Wiedmeyer with helping establish Wisconsin’s first Moms for Liberty chapter in Kenosha County after becoming concerned about the direction of public education.
“She co-founded the first Moms for Liberty chapter in Wisconsin, right here in Kenosha County, because she saw what was happening in our schools and refused to look away. She is a mother, former educator, former small business owner, strong conservative, and proven grassroots leader,” Johnson wrote.
Johnson also highlighted Wiedmeyer’s tenure as chairwoman of the Kenosha County Republican Party.
“As Kenosha County Republican Party Chairwoman, Sandy delivered results and helped move Kenosha County further red. She doesn’t just talk about conservative values. She lives them,” Johnson said.
Johnson concluded by urging Republican voters in Walworth, Kenosha, Racine, and Rock counties to support Wiedmeyer in the Aug. 11 primary.
The endorsement builds on a relationship that supporters say began years before Wiedmeyer sought elected office.
According to the campaign, Wiedmeyer was among five women who founded Wisconsin’s first Moms for Liberty chapter, joining Amber Infusino, Rep. Amanda Nedweski, Kim Chesser, and Karen Bichanich to create an organization focused on parental involvement, educational transparency, and giving families a stronger voice in their children’s education.
At the time, supporters note, Wiedmeyer was not running for office.
“There was no campaign, no title to pursue, and no political future to gain,” the campaign said. “There was simply a cause she believed in.”
Moms for Liberty co-founder Kim Chesser said Wiedmeyer has consistently stood with families.
“Sandy stood shoulder to shoulder with families, speaking up for parental rights, personal freedom, and limited government,” Chesser said.
Supporters also point to Wiedmeyer’s work during the COVID-19 pandemic after her mother spent four months hospitalized under visitation restrictions.
The experience motivated Wiedmeyer to work with lawmakers and advocates on what became known as the No Patient Left Alone Act, proposed legislation intended to ensure hospitalized patients could have a loved one or advocate present during their care. Although the bill ultimately did not become law, supporters say it reflected her willingness to become involved when she saw a problem.
“Sandy steps up and gets involved to solve problems. She leads with conviction and passion,” Moms for Liberty Kenosha co-founder Karen Bichanich said.
Wiedmeyer said her motivation has always been service rather than politics.
“When my mother was in the hospital, I realized how important it is for patients to have someone there to advocate for them,” she said. “I wasn’t an elected official. It wasn’t my job. But I knew it mattered, and I knew there were families across Wisconsin facing the same struggle.”
She said her decision to seek public office grew naturally from years of community involvement.
“I didn’t get involved because I wanted to run for office someday,” Wiedmeyer said. “I got involved because I care about my community. Running for State Senate is simply another opportunity to continue serving the people and causes I believe in.”
State Rep. Amanda Nedweski, one of the founding co-chairs of Moms for Liberty Kenosha, also praised Wiedmeyer’s candidacy.
“Through her decades of service in the community, Sandy has demonstrated a proven commitment to conservative principles and common-sense family values,” Nedweski said. “She has the confidence to stand up when necessary, and the wisdom to know how and when to compromise in the best interest of the people.”
Amber Infusino, another founding co-chair of the Kenosha chapter, echoed those sentiments.
“I am so very proud of my team, ladies that live service to our community and step up to run for political office continuing to be change makers for Wisconsin families,” Infusino said.
