Write-in candidate for Wisconsin governor posts video of himself removing yards signs from lawns

A write-in candidate for Wisconsin governor posted a video to social media of himself removing opponents’ yard signs from Milwaukee lawns. 

Carlos LeMar Dixon, an independent candidate for governor, posted the video to Facebook on May 27 showing him pulling yard signs out of lawns in Milwaukee’s Riverwest neighborhood and the greater east side.

Dixon targeted campaign signs for State Rep. Francesca Hong’s gubernatorial campaign and State. Rep. Ryan Clancy’s reelection campaign. Both those candidates are supported by the Democratic Socialists of America or DSA. 

Dixon told the Milwaukee Courier that the yard signs are being held “hostage” and for “ransom” in opposition to the DSA’s campaigns.

Dixon ties the DSA organization to “Zionists” and the Israeli government.

“I am anti-Zionist. I am anti-imperialist. I am anti-colonialism. That’s what motivated me to do it,” Dixon said.

“I don’t want to make a version of capitalism that works for America. We need a revolution right now.”

Dixon said it’s a contradiction that the Hong campaign is running on an affordability agenda while asking for donations.

“Hong claims that Wisconsinites can’t afford beer and brats, but she keeps asking us to donate money to her campaign,” he said. “So I take these signs, and if people can afford to replace the signs, then this economic crisis isn’t as bad as Hong is saying it is.”

Under state law, it is llegal to remove political signs from private property.

“I’ve never had any regard for law enforcement or the laws of an imperial nation,” Dixon said. “So I don’t care about any laws. By any means necessary.

“They know where I’m at. They know my address. My address is all on the candidacy forms. I live in Riverwest by the way, and if they want their signs, they can come get them.

“If they want me to be arrested for it, we can do that, too. I couldn’t say that I’ve never been to jail. If there’s a criminal element, I am of it.”

Clancy said he is familiar with Dixon after interacting with him at a town hall meeting. 

“I wish him well but it’s frustrating to see folks interact with the campaign in that way rather than talking about policy,” Clancy said.

“We spend a lot of time talking to people in the district and they’re excited about showing their enthusiasm for our campaign and (Hong’s). Our volunteers spend a lot of time putting those signs into yards and so it’s frustrating.

“For a small campaign like ours, those are expensive signs.”

Hong also responded on X (formerly Twitter):

“This sucks 😢 Yard signs are freedom of speech. Plus, they’re expensive as heck!”

“On the bright side, the reason this guy has been able to steal so many is because thousands of Wisconsinites have asked for them 💪”

She then shared an Act Blue donation link, saying, “Chip in to replace our supporters’ signs?”

Dixon is also a write-in candidate for Wisconsin’s fourth congressional district. He said he believes in free education for everyone and reparations for Black Americans.

He said he will bypass attempting to get on the ballot through signatures because Act Blue wouldn’t work with him on accepting donations.

“It’s unfair,” he said. “And they won’t waste my time with me trying to collect signatures.”