ABOUT THE 1848 PROJECT

The 1848 Project is Wisconsin’s conservative government leadership pipeline. Founded by former Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch, the organization identifies, recruits, and trains candidates ready to champion conservative policy solutions in their communities and beyond. It also provides ongoing education and resources to help elected conservative leaders serve their communities with excellence.

The 1848 Project, launched in 2020, began by engaging Wisconsinites through dozens of town halls and roundtables. During this initial phase, the organization consulted policy experts and scholars, studied successful models from other states, and combined those insights with the lived experiences shared by citizens across Wisconsin. These efforts led to the creation of the Forward Agenda—a clear, conservative roadmap for Wisconsin’s future.

Today, the 1848 Project continues to grow its impact by preparing emerging leaders to govern with principle, clarity, and purpose. Convinced that conservative principles are good, sound, economically empowering, and life-affirming, the organization offers robust support through in-person training sessions, in-depth policy briefings, educational videos, a mentor program and interactive forums with experienced state and local leaders. Candidates are equipped not just to win elections, but to lead effectively and uphold the values that strengthen Wisconsin communities.

Inspired by the spirit of our state motto—Forward—the 1848 Project remains committed to raising up the next generation of Wisconsin leaders whose commitment to serving with conviction will lead to a stronger, freer, and more prosperous Wisconsin.