Kelda Roys [1] isn't about to let her mothering duties get in the way of her desire to be Wisconsin's next governor [2]. A small-business owner and former state representative, Kelda just released her first campaign ad, during which she pulls quite the unconventional move. During the two-minute video, the Democratic gubernatorial candidate breastfeeds her youngest child for a brief moment while simultaneously discussing her political accomplishments like a freakin' multitasking boss. And now she's in the spotlight for the ad — for better or for worse.
A few years ago, Kelda helped Wisconsin become one of the first states to ban Bisphenol A (BPA), a toxic chemical compound found in some baby bottles and sippy cups. While discussing this achievement in front of the cameras for her ad, her husband brought over their 4-month-old baby, and Kelda didn't skip a beat while proudly nursing her. And no, the moment wasn't planned beforehand. "Anybody who's ever had a baby can tell you that they are unpredictable," she told The Huffington Post [3]. "I just did what I have been trained by her to do, which is to immediately grab her and feed her, and I just sort of didn't think about it."
Kelda also told The Huffington Post that she's much more than just a mom: she's a hardworking go-getter. "What sets me apart from the rest of the field is not that I have a baby, but I have a track record of getting things done, of accomplishing progressive policies for people of this state," she said.
Because the world isn't all sunshine and butterflies 24/7, Kelda has unfortunately been met with a bit of backlash for her on-camera feeding session. But she's got a strong message for her haters: "The story of 2018 isn't about internet trolls. The story of 2018 is about women rising up." Um, can we get a "hell yeah"? Watch Kelda's powerful campaign video above, and then see what people on Twitter are saying about it below.
I wish I lived in Wisconsin just so I could vote for you!! Get it girl!
— Lisa Kay Jennings (@iamlisakay) March 8, 2018 [5]
This is EXACTLY why we need more women in elected office!! Didn't skip a beat with the nursing...just get it done and keep the cameras rolling!! Let's get 51% in office!! #FEMME51 [6]
— Femme51 (@femme51Mary) March 7, 2018 [7]
I died and went to heaven watching you stake a claim on power while not disavowing your female identity and body. All Hail You. And Godspeed.
— Ms. McShea (@MoSheehy) March 7, 2018 [8]
Oh wow, a political ad has never made me cry before! Thank you Kelda. 💜
— Kelli 🌈🍸 (@imkwazy) March 7, 2018 [9]
I live in MD, after seeing your vid on FB I had to look you up to say good luck! I sincerely hope you win, for what you will do for WI and what you will help do on a larger scale for the Nation. #strongwoman [10] #strongmom [11] #girlpower [12] #womeninpolitics [13]
— Kat (@BookDragon_Kat) March 8, 2018 [14]