A political candidate in Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional District is facing intense scrutiny after a campaign video surfaced depicting them shooting at targets bearing the image of a former president. The candidate, Stephen Cooper, who identifies as Katrina DeVille, is running as a Democratic Socialist in the 2026 primary.
The video quickly ignited controversy, prompting its removal from social media and leading to Cooper being disinvited from speaking at the upcoming Democrat Party convention in UW-Green Bay. Concerns about the imagery and its potential implications for inciting violence were immediately raised.
In a subsequent attempt to address the backlash, Cooper posted a video online. The unusual message began with a rendition of the song “Faithfully” by Journey, followed by a statement disavowing any advocacy for violence while simultaneously reiterating a call for the former president’s impeachment.
Cooper emphasized a distinction between wanting the former president “gone” and wishing him harm, claiming the video was misinterpreted. They asserted a consistent record of advocating for impeachment, framing it as a core tenet of their political platform.
Cooper openly identifies as a Satanist, and their campaign is managed by another individual who identifies as male. The campaign has received backing from the Democratic Socialists of America, adding another layer to the unfolding narrative.
The candidate’s platform centers on progressive policies, including universal healthcare, a higher minimum wage, affordable housing, and increased taxes on religious organizations. They also advocate for accessible childcare.
The video and subsequent fallout have raised questions about the boundaries of political expression and the potential for rhetoric to escalate. As of now, neither law enforcement nor the state Democratic Party has issued a formal statement regarding the incident.
The 8th District is considered a competitive race, and Cooper is one of several candidates vying for the Democratic nomination. The situation continues to develop, with observers closely watching for further statements from the campaign and the party.
