Dylan Helmenstine

Dylan Helmenstine (Democratic Party) ran for election for Wisconsin Treasurer. He lost in the Democratic primary on August 11, 2026.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Local communities know their needs best, but too often, the state limits their ability to act with outdated, one-size-fits-all policies. A clear example is Wisconsin’s broken school funding system, which forces communities to resort to property tax hikes and endless referenda just to keep schools running. It’s time to restore real state investment and give local school boards the ability to fund the schools their communities rely on.

I will advocate for fairer state aid formulas, ending outdated revenue limits, and full funding for public special education programming so locally elected leaders have the resources to reflect their community’s priorities. Empowering local leadership strengthens schools, communities, and Wisconsin’s future.Too many Wisconsin families are pushed into predatory payday loans with interest rates nearing 700% APR, just to cover basic, immediate expenses. Wisconsin is one of the few states with no interest rate caps, trapping people in cycles of debt.

I will advocate for a state-run trust fund that provides fair, low-cost emergency loans, modeled after successful programs already supporting municipalities and school districts. This fund would offer a responsible alternative to predatory lenders, keep money in our communities, and help people stay stable during financial emergencies. For this program to work, it must be fast, fair, and accessible, with applications reviewed quickly so families can readily get the help they need.Every Wisconsin community deserves clear, accessible communication from local government, but many lack the staff or resources to reach residents effectively. I’m proposing a new short-term, low-interest loan option through the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands to help local governments modernize how they communicate with the people they serve.

By offering a lower-cost version of these loans specifically for communication and outreach needs, we can help local governments quickly invest in better tools, more capacity, and the staff time required to keep residents informed.

Supporting local governments this way strengthens transparency, public engagement, and trust.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Transparent, accountable government: Making government easier to understand and work with to empower residents to cut through red tape.

Empowering local leaders and communities: Lifting up local voices and giving communities across Wisconsin the tools and resources to address their own priorities.

Responsible oversight of public funds: Ensuring public trust funds and resources, like education funding, are managed wisely and effectively.

Fair financial systems for residents: Protecting families from predatory lending and advocating for responsible, accessible financial support programs.