MADISON – Rachel Homolak, conservative candidate for Madison City Council District 4, has issued a response to a cease and desist letter served by her opponent, Michael McKay, on August 11, 2025. The letter, authored by criminal defense attorney Matthew Dermody, threatens legal action against Homolak for alleged defamatory comments. The specific claim cited in the letter refers to comments made by Homolak regarding McKay’s affiliations and positions, including her concerns about his alignment with radical progressive groups.
Homolak is pushing back forcefully, calling the letter an attempt to intimidate her and silence valid political discourse in a race that voters deserve transparency on.
Rachel Homolak
“Michael McKay is attempting to use legal threats to silence not just me—but anyone who dares question his record, his values, or his associations,” said Homolak. “That should alarm every citizen of Madison. If this is how he treats dissent as a candidate, imagine what he would do with a vote on the City Council.”
One major concern stems from McKay’s documented connections to Purple People Resistance, a local group with strong ties to leftist organizations such as Indivisible, 50501 and Read Freely Alabama, which are nationally known for their anti-Trump and anti-Republican activism. Not only does McKay follow The Purple People Resistance Facebook page, but they have publicly promoted McKay’s campaign and appear to be an active supporter of his candidacy: View Here.
Despite presenting himself as a Republican, McKay has not disavowed this support. Homolak asserts that voters deserve to know whether his values truly align with those of Madison’s conservative residents.
“I find it deeply concerning that a self-proclaimed Republican candidate would welcome support from a group that has organized anti-Republican protests and routinely promotes progressive, anti-conservative messaging,” said Homolak. “If a far-left group offered to support my campaign, I would immediately decline. I’m not running to win favor with activists—I’m running to represent the values of Madison families.”
Michael McKay
Homolak emphasizes that her campaign is grounded in truth and a commitment to informing voters—not defamation. She categorically denies any malicious intent in her prior statements and views the legal action as an overreach designed to chill speech and distract from legitimate political questions.
A Warning for Madison Voters: Lawfare Is Not Leadership
Homolak’s campaign warns that McKay’s tactics mirror a growing national trend where candidates use litigation threats to suppress public scrutiny. This approach, sometimes called “lawfare,” undermines the open debate that is essential to a healthy democracy.
“This race is about integrity, accountability, and who voters can trust to defend—not dismantle—their First Amendment rights,” said Homolak. “I will never be intimidated into silence, and I will continue to ask the hard questions—even when my opponent sends a lawyer instead of an answer.”
Media Release/Rachel Homolak
Candidate for Madison City Council, District 4
