In this update:

• Election Updates
• Administration Updates
• Legislative Updates

Election Updates

State Assembly and Senate

Incumbent lawmaker re-election announcements

More lawmakers this week announced their intentions to run for re-election under the new 2023 Act 94 legislative district maps. Listed below are the latest announcements from legislators.

• Sen. Kelda Roys (D-Madison) announced she will run for reelection for the 26th SD. She has represented the district since 2020 and was redrawn into the district under the new maps. The new 26th SD has an 86.7% Democratic lean.

• Rep. Janel Brandtjen (R-Menomonee Falls) announced her bid for the 24th AD. She was first elected to the 22nd AD in 2014 and was drawn into the 24th AD. State Senator Dan Knodl (R-Germantown) has announced his bid for the seat after being paired in the State Senate. The new 24th AD has a 57.2% GOP lean.

• Assembly Majority Leader Tyler August (R-Lake Geneva) announced he will run for the 31st AD. Rep. August was first elected to the Assembly in 2010 and was redrawn into the 32nd AD with Rep. Amanda Nedweski (R-Pleasant Prairie). He has decided to move into the 31st AD with Rep. Ellen Schutt (R-Clinton). She has already announced her bid for the seat. The new 31st AD has a 59.8% GOP lean.

• Rep. Amanda Nedweski (R-Pleasant Prairie) announced her bid for the 32nd AD. She was first elected to the 61st in 2022 and was drawn into the 32nd under the new maps. The new 32nd AD has a 63.9% GOP lean.

Not running for re-election

Representatives Nik Rettinger (R-Mukwonago), Daniel Riemer (D-Milwaukee), and Rep. Terry Katsma (R-Oostburg) announced this week that they will not seek re-election. They join 21 other incumbent lawmakers in not seeking re-election to their current office in 2024.

• Rep. Nik Rettinger (R-Mukwonago) announced he will not seek reelection in the fall. Rep. Rettinger has represented the 83rd since 2022 and was drawn into the 84th AD with Rep. Chuck Wichgers (R-Muskego) under the new maps. “I strongly believe I need to do what is best for this state by not forcing a primary,” Rep. Rettinger said. “We need all efforts focused on the critical Presidential, U.S. Senate, and State Legislative elections this November.” After the announcement, he said he is looking at a bid for Wisconsin’s national committeeman on the RNC or a possible future bid for county treasurer or executive.

• Rep. Daniel Riemer (D-Milwaukee) announced he is not seeking reelection. In his announcement letter, he said, “I am grateful to you for granting me this privilege. I am also immensely thankful to my family for allowing me to serve. I write this letter with my two-year-old daughter on my lap. I am glad I will get to be with her, my incredible wife, and my five-year-old son more often.” Rep. Riemer was redrawn into the 7th AD, which is now an open seat with a 58.8% Democratic lean.

• Rep. Terry Katsma (R-Oostburg) announced he is not running for reelection in the Assembly after a decade of service. “During my time in office, my top priority has been to protect Wisconsin taxpayers and I have worked tirelessly to reduce the tax burden on families and small business. I am proud of the legislative accomplishments to pass historic tax cuts and return surplus monies back to the hardworking people of Wisconsin,” Rep. Katsma said. His retirement leaves the 27th AD that he was drawn into as an open seat. He said he is looking forward to more time with “my children, grandchildren, and many friends, as well as, traveling and taking more road trips with my wife, Nancy.”

* Partisan Performance was calculated using the election results from the 2022 U.S. Senate election, the 2022 Wisconsin Gubernatorial election, and the 2020 Presidential Election.

Non-incumbent election announcements

State Assembly

• 13th AD: Patti Granger (R-Wauwatosa) announced she is running for the 13th AD. The 13th AD has two incumbents running for the seat: Rep. Tom Michalski (R- Elm Grove) and Rep. Robyn Vining (D-Wauwatosa). The new 13th AD has a 57.5% Democratic lean.

• 39th AD: Educator Chris Gordon (D-Neshkoro) announced her candidacy for the 39th AD. Rep. Alex Dallman (R-Green Lake) was drawn into the new district and will be running against Ms. Gordon. The new 39th AD has a 65.8% GOP lean.

• 40th AD: Business owner Jerry Helmer (R-Prairie du Sac) announced his campaign for the 40th AD. The seat was left open when Rep. Dave Considine (D-Baraboo) announced his retirement. There are already two Democrat candidates in the race: Kyle Kunicki and Brad Randolph Cook. The new 40th has a 54.5% Democratic lean.

• 65th AD: Kyle Flood (D-Kenosha) announced his bid for the 65th AD. He is a former Kenosha Unified School Board member, and he claims to be the youngest person elected to a Kenosha County office. The seat was previously held by Rep. Tod Ohnstad (D-Kenosha) who announced his retirement from the Assembly, leaving the seat open. The new 65th AD has a 54.5% Democratic lean.

State Senate

• 12th SD: Small business owner Andi Rich (D-Marinette) launched her campaign for the 12th SD. Sen. Mary Felzkowski currently represents the district. The new 12th SD has a 63.3% GOP lean.

* Partisan Performance was calculated using the election results from the 2022 U.S. Senate election, the 2022 Wisconsin Gubernatorial election, and the 2020 Presidential Election.

U.S. President

VP Harris in La Crosse

Vice President Kamala Harris held two events in La Crosse on Monday: an “organizing event for reproductive freedoms” at the La Crosse Center and a “roundtable discussion on nursing home care” at the Hmong Cultural and Community Agency.

At the La Crosse Center event, Vice President Harris criticized former President Donald Trump’s role in overturning Roe v. Wade. VP Harris said freedom and democracy are at stake this fall in the presidential election. “It is only as strong as our willingness to fight, and fight we must,” VP Harris said. “And here’s the thing. When we fight, we win.”

At the roundtable discussion on nursing home care, VP Harris announced two new regulatory rules. The first rule, Nursing Home Minimum Staffing Rule, requires all nursing homes that receive federal funding through Medicare and Medicaid to have 3.48 hours per resident per day of total staffing, including a defined number from both registered nurses and nurse aides. The second rule, Ensuring Access to Medicaid Services Rule, seeks to improve access to home care services as well as improve the quality caregiving jobs through its new provisions for home care. There has been push back on the rules from nursing homes who are already struggling with staffing. CEO of Wisconsin Health Care Association and Wisconsin Center for Assisted Living Rick Abrams said, “It’s an unfunded mandate which we think is terribly unfair. People are concerned and it’s not because they don’t want to adequately staff, but whether they can find staff and have the resources there to pay them.”

U.S. Senator Ron Johnson (R) said VP Harris is unwilling to discuss the issues that Wisconsinites are really concerned about, like inflation and the southern border. State Rep. Tony Kurtz (R-Wonewoc) said the proposed staffing rules from the roundtable would hurt nursing homes in rural areas like the ones he represents because “we simply don’t have the bodies” with the lack of available workers in the state.

Bloomberg/Morning Consult release new Wisconsin poll

Bloomberg News/Morning Consult released a new poll that found former President Donald Trump ahead of President Joe Biden among registered Wisconsin voters. The poll found 48% of voters favored Trump in a matchup with Pres. Biden, who was favored 44%. In their March poll, it showed 46% in favor of Pres. Biden and 45% favored Trump.

Bloomberg News/Morning Consult surveyed 702 registered voters in Wisconsin April 8-15. The margin of error was +/- 4 percentage points, and the data was weighted based on gender, age, race/ethnicity, marital status, home ownership and the 2020 presidential vote. FiveThirtyEight ranks Morning Consult a 1.8-star rating out of three stars.

U.S. House of Representatives

1st CD Race

Barca raises more than $250,000 in his campaign’s first 24-hours

First congressional district candidate Peter Barca raised more than $250,000 in the first 24 hours of his campaign. “I’m so grateful for the overwhelming support we’ve received in the first 24-hours of this campaign,” said Peter Barca. He did not announce any other details of his fundraising.

Administration Updates

Wisconsin receives $62M federal solar for all grant

Governor Tony Evers (D) announced Wisconsin is receiving a $62.4 million solar grant from the Biden-Harris Administration to fund solar projects for low- and moderate-income households across the state. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded $7 billion under its Solar for All initiative which is funded by President Biden’s Investing in America agenda through the Inflation Reduction Act. Solar power can reduce energy burdens for low-income residents, but the price to install a 5-kilowatt rooftop system is $14,000 to $19,000. EPA expects that awards to the selected applicants will be finalized in the summer of 2024, and WEDC anticipates that it will begin funding projects in late 2024 or early 2025.

PSC awards $7.8M to clean energy projects

The Public Service Commission (PSC) awarded $7.8 million from the Energy Innovation Grant Program (EIGP) to 28 projects to clean energy and investing in innovative technologies. The EIGP funding was from President Joe Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). This year’s selected EIGP projects will help reduce energy burdens, increase clean energy jobs, and achieve other Justice40 priorities to support disadvantaged communities.

“I’ve always said that we don’t have to choose between mitigating climate change and protecting our environment and good-paying jobs and economic development—and through initiatives like the Energy Innovation Grant Program, we are proving that we can and will do both,” said Gov. Evers. “These projects will help strengthen energy infrastructure across Wisconsin while making significant progress in our transition to a clean energy economy, resulting in cleaner air and water and more family-supporting jobs.”

For the grant recipients with brief project descriptions, click here.

For a list and map of the EIGP award recipients, click here.

Legislative Updates

Neubauer appoints Mark Thomsen to WEC

Assembly Minority Leader Greta Neubauer (D-Racine) appointed Mark Thomsen to another five-year term on the Wisconsin Elections Commission. He was appointed to the commission in 2016 and was reappointed for a full term in 2019. The four legislative leaders each appoint a member to the commission and are not subject to confirmation by the senate. The other two commission members are appointed by the Governor with Senate confirmation. Mr. Thomsen’s and Marge Bostelmann’s terms expire in May.

“I am thrilled to reappoint Commissioner Mark Thomsen to the Wisconsin Elections Commission,” said Rep. Neubauer. “Now more than ever, we must ensure that our elections remain free, fair, and secure. Mark has done an exceptional job on the commission and remains steadfast in his commitment to protecting and strengthening our democracy. We are grateful for Mark’s outstanding work on the commission and look forward to his continued service to our state.”

Legislature sues DPI

The legislature sued the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) last week, saying that a literacy bill partially vetoed by Gov. Tony Evers, Wisconsin Act 100, is unenforceable. The suit was filed against Governor Tony Evers (D) and the Department of Public Instruction in the Dane County Circuit Court. The attorneys for the Legislature argued that Gov. Evers had no constitutional authority to partially veto the measure since it was not an appropriation bill, and the partial veto creates a funding program “of the Governor’s or DPI’s own invention.” The filing claims the Joint Finance Committee (JFC) cannot release the $50 million to DPI because the version of the bill Evers signed is invalid.

This week, Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu (R – Oostburg) assured that DPI can still take the first steps toward implementing new literacy programs despite the lawsuit, so they are not delayed. “In Act 20, a bipartisan majority of the legislature and the governor explicitly allowed DPI to hire a Director for the Office of Literacy and early literacy coaches,” Sen. LeMahieu said. “Governor Evers’ illegal veto of Act 100 and the legislature’s lawsuit to undo it does not affect DPI’s ability to take the first steps in implementing these critical literacy initiatives.” He also said the court will find Gov. Evers’ partial veto was illegal.

State Superintendent Jill Underly responded in a letter to legislative leadership, saying DPI can’t implement the state’s new literacy programs until lawmakers approve funding for them. JFC approved the funding for a director of the Office of Literacy but not the $50 million set aside for the programs. “Therefore, contrary to the assertion in your letter, we do not yet have the ability to expend funds for other required activities. As time passes, it will be increasingly difficult to meet the requirements of the law,” Dr. Underly said.

In this update:

• ‘Meet the Cabinet’ Recap
• Election Updates
• Administration Updates

‘Meet the Cabinet’ Recap

Medicaid Director Bill Hanna featured guest at Michal Best luncheon

Michael Best Strategies hosted Medicaid Director Bill Hanna at the Madison Office on Friday as a part of our ‘Meet the Cabinet’ series. Director Hanna met with clients, answered questions, and spoke about priorities for Wisconsin’s Medicaid program. Director Hanna was appointed Wisconsin’s Medicaid Director in 2024 and has fifteen years of Medicaid expertise.

Election Updates

MU poll recap

Marquette University Law School Poll released a new statewide poll on Wednesday, April 17th. Looking ahead to the November Elections, the poll found:

• 49% of registered voters supported President Biden, while 51% backed former President Trump.

• 52% of registered voters supported U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, while 47% backed GOP U.S. Senate candidate Eric Hovde.

• ICYMI: For an in-depth analysis of the poll from Michael Best, click here.

State Assembly and Senate

Incumbent lawmaker re-election announcements

More lawmakers this week announced their intentions to run for re-election under the new 2023 Act 94 legislative district maps. Listed below are the latest announcements from legislators.

• Rep. Adam Neylon (R-Pewaukee) announced his bid for the 15th AD. Rep. Neylon was first elected in 2013 and was drawn into the 15th under the new maps. The new 15th AD has a 57.3% GOP lean. Sarah Harrison (D-Brookfield) is also running for the seat.

• Rep. Supreme Moore Omokunde (D-Milwaukee) told WisPolitics he will run for reelection in the 17th AD. He has represented the 17th since 2020. The new 17th AD has an 84.4% Democratic lean.

• Rep. Amy Binsfeld (R-Sheboygan) announced she is running for the 26th AD. She was redrawn into the 25th with Rep. Paul Tittl (R-Manitowoc) under the new maps, so she will be moving into the 26th to run for reelection. The new 26th AD has a 51% Democratic lean.

• Rep. Rob Swearingen (R-Rhinelander) announced his reelection campaign for the 34th AD. Rep. Swearingen has served in the 34th AD since 2012. The new 34th AD has a 58.7% GOP lean.

• Rep. Greta Neubauer (D-Racine) announced she is seeking reelection in the 66th AD. Rep. Neubauer has represented the district since 2018. Christian Kuether (R-Racine) is also running in the 66th AD. The new 66th AD has a 55.6% Democratic lean.

• Rep. Rob Summerfield (R-Bloomer) announced his candidacy for the 68th AD. He was redrawn into the 68th AD with Rep. James Edming (R-Glen Flora) who announced his retirement this week. The new 68th has a 66.9% GOP lean.

Not running for re-election

Representative James “Jimmy Boy” Edming (R-Glen Flora) announced this week that he will not seek re-election. He joins 20 other incumbent lawmakers in not seeking re-election to their current office in 2024.

• Rep. James Edming (R-Glen Flora) announced he will not seek re-election in the fall. Rep. Edming has represented the 87th AD for almost ten years and said in his press release, “While it will be hard to walk away, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve over these past ten years and look forward to what the next chapter holds.” Rep. Edming was paired with Rep. Rob Summerfield (R-Bloomer) in the 68th AD under the new maps.

* Partisan Performance was calculated using the election results from the 2022 U.S. Senate election, the 2022 Wisconsin Gubernatorial election, and the 2020 Presidential Election.

Non-incumbent election announcements

State Assembly

• 28th: Brady Penfield (R-River Falls) announced his candidacy for the 28th AD. He is currently a student at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls where he created the College Republicans Club. The 28th does not have any incumbent lawmakers. Former state representative Rob Kreibich (R-New Richmond) has also announced his bid for the seat. The new 28th AD has a 63% GOP lean.

• 51st: Elizabeth Grabe (D-Mount Horeb) announced her bid for the 51st AD. She is a member of the Mount Horeb Village Sustainability and Natural Resources Committee, a Realtor, and a hemp farmer. Rep. Todd Novak (R-Dodgeville) is the incumbent for the 51st, but under the new maps, the district has a 54.6% Democratic lean.

• 62nd: Angelina Cruz (D-Racine) announced her candidacy for the 62nd AD. Ms. Cruz is a twenty-year veteran public school teacher and served as President of Racine Educators United since 2016. The 62nd is an open district with a 61.1% Democratic lean.

• 90th: Amaad Rivera Wagner (D-Green Bay) announced his candidacy for the 90th AD. He is currently the Chief of Staff to Green Bay Mayor Eric Genrich. Rep. Kristina Shelton (D-Green Bay) was drawn into the 90th AD but announced she will not be seeking reelection, leaving the seat open. The new 90th AD has a 55.4% Democratic lean.

State Senate

• 2nd SD: Former journalist Kelly Peterson (D-Appleton) announced her bid for the 2nd SD. The new 2nd SD has no incumbent lawmaker after Sen. Rob Cowles (R-Green Bay), who currently represents the district, was redrawn into the 30th SD with Sen. Eric Wimberger (R-Green Bay) and Sen. Andre Jacque (R-De Pere). Sen. Cowles announced that he is not seeking re-election. Sen. Wimberger previously announced he will be running for the 2nd SD. The 2nd SD has a 62.8% GOP lean.

• 20th SD: Former state Rep. Tim Ramthun (R-Campbellsport) announced he will run for the 20th SD. Ramthun served two terms in the Assembly before leaving to run for governor. State Sen. Dan Feyen (R-Fond du Lac) was drawn into the district under the new maps and is running for re-election. The new 20th SD has a 67.7% GOP lean.

* Partisan Performance was calculated using the election results from the 2022 U.S. Senate election, the 2022 Wisconsin Gubernatorial election, and the 2020 Presidential Election.

U.S. President

Fox News releases new Wisconsin poll

Fox News released a new Wisconsin poll that shows President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump tied at 48%. In January, their poll showed a similar result with both candidates tied at 47%. When third-party candidates were included in the April poll, the breakdown was Biden 43%, Trump 41%, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. 9%, and Jill Stein and Cornel West at 2% each.

The poll surveyed 1,198 registered voters in Wisconsin April 11-16 with live interviewers over landlines and cellphones and online after respondents were contacted via text. The margin of error was +/- 3 percentage points, and the results were weighted by age, race, education and area variables to ensure the demographics reflect the registered voter population.

U.S. Senate

Baldwin and Hovde announce fundraising

U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D) and GOP Senate candidate Eric Hovde announced their fundraising totals for the first quarter of 2024. Sen. Baldwin raised $5.4 million and spent $3.1 million. Eric Hovde raised almost $1.1 million from donors since his late February campaign announcement, loaned his campaign $8 million and spent $3.7 million according to his filing.

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D)

$5.4 million raised

$3.1 million spent

$10.2 million cash on hand

Eric Hovde (D)

$9.06 million raised

$3.7 million spent

$5.3 million cash on hand

Baldwin launches ad on efforts to stop spread of fentanyl

U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D) released her third ad on her efforts to stop the spread of fentanyl. The spot is running on TV and digital platforms statewide and was included in a previously announced nine-figure buy.

Watch the ad here.

Fix Washington PAC launches new digital ad

The Fix Washington PAC launched a new digital ad, claiming U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D) is “not working for us anymore.” They filed with the FEC, reporting $220,865 for a digital buy to oppose Sen. Baldwin and support Eric Hovde (R). The ad includes a 30-second and 15-second version of the ad.

Watch the 30-second ad here.

Watch the 15-second ad here.

U.S. House of Representatives

1st CD Race

Peter Barca announced bid for the 1st CD

Former Wisconsin Department of Revenue Secretary Peter Barca has launched his campaign to challenge U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil (R-Janesville) in the 1st CD. Barca said he is running because “I have always stood up for working families,” referring to creating good-paying jobs; lowering costs and delivering tax relief to middle class families; and expanding access to health care.

Barca held the seat thirty years ago after he won a 1993 special election to fill the vacancy created by Wisconsin Congressman Les Aspin’s appointment to be US Secretary of Defense under President Bill Clinton. Barca won the special election over Republican Mark Neumann by just 675 votes. Barca lost his re-election in 1994 in a re-match with Neumann by 1,120 votes. Prior to serving in Congress, Barca served in the state legislature for eight years. In 2008, Barca returned to the State Assembly and served in that body for another 10 years before being one of Governor Tony Evers first cabinet appointments.

In the last general election for the 1st CD, Congressman Bryan Steil won the seat by nearly nine points. Racine County Emergency Management coordinator and Navy Reserve intelligence officer Lorenzo Santos and healthcare professional Diane Anderson have also announced plans to run for the Democratic nomination for the seat.

Steil files finance report

U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil (R-Janesville) filed his finance report with the FEC which shows he raised $638,823 the first quarter in 2024. He also reported the largest cash on hand among Wisconsin’s House members with more than $4 million in the bank, and he spent $214,438. Lorenzo Santos, the 1st CD Democratic candidate from Racine, reported $12,096 raised, $9,557 spent, and $5,199 cash on hand.

U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil (R-Janesville)

$638,823 raised

$214,438 spent

$4.03 million cash on hand

Lorenzo Santos (D-Racine)

$12,096 raised

$9,557 spent

$5,199 cash on hand

3rd CD Race

3rd CD candidates report fundraising totals

Incumbent U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-Prairie du Chien), Rebecca Cooke (D-Eau Claire), and state Rep. Katrina Shankland (D-Stevens Point) filed their finances to the FEC for the first quarter of 2024. Ms. Cooke out-fundraised Rep. Shankland by more than $188,000. She also had more than double the cash on hand of Rep. Shankland. Cong. Van Orden raised just over $700k in the quarter, the most among Wisconsin’s House delegation.

U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-Prairie du Chien)

$705,319 raised

$375,820 spent

$1.9 million cash on hand

Rebecca Cooke (D-Eau Claire)

$491,635 raised

$180,566 spent

$807,661 cash on hand

State Rep. Katrina Shankland (D-Stevens Point)

$303,181 raised

$89,128 spent

$357,175 cash on hand

Eric Wilson (D-Eau Claire)

$16,810 raised

$19,079 spent

$17,059 cash on hand

8th CD Race

Roth and Jacque file fundraising reports

Former state Sen. Roger Roth (R-Appleton) and state Senator Andre Jacque (R-De Pere) filed their first quarter finance reports. Tony Wied and Kristin Lyerly (D) launched their campaigns after the reporting period closed for the first quarter filing. However, Tony Wied announced he has $700,000 cash on hand.

Sen. Jacque’s report shows that he has more financial support from GOP lawmakers than his former Senate colleague Roth. Rep. Elijah Behnke (R-Oconto), Rep. Jerry O’Connor (R-Fond du Lac), Rep. Janel Brandtjen (R-Menomonee Falls), Sen. Julian Bradley (R-Franklin), Sen. Rachael Cabral-Guevara (R-Appleton), Sen. Patrick Testin (R-Stevens Point), Rep. Travis Tranel (R-Cuba City), Rep. Ty Bodden (R-Hilbert), Rep. Chuck Wichgers (R-Muskego), and Rep. Ron Tusler (R-Harrison) all contributed to his campaign. Sen. Jacque gave his campaign $16,000 and spent $2,390, ending the period with $140,654 cash on hand.

Roth received twenty-five maximum amount donations ($3,300 for Primary and $3,300 for General Election). Included in that group of donors was former Republican gubernatorial candidate Tim Michels and his wife Barbara. Other notable GOP donors were Rick Graber (former GOP state chair), former DOA Secretary Scott Neitzel and Deputy Secretary Cate Zeuske, former Speaker Scott Jensen, and former Supreme Court Justice and Speaker David Prosser.

Roger Roth (R-Appleton)

$381,909 raised

$4,970 spent

$376,939 cash on hand

State Senator Andre Jacque (R-De Pere)

$143,044 raised

$2,390 spent

$140,654 cash on hand

Administration Updates

Evers appoints David Casey to serve as DOR Secretary

Governor Tony Evers appointed David Casey to serve as the secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR), effective April 29, 2024. He previously was the deputy secretary of the DOR from 2019 to 2022 and now fills the vacancy left by former Secretary Peter Barca. Mr. Casey has almost 30 years of experience in state tax agencies and currently serves as a principal industry expert in tax compliance and fraud for SAS. He graduated from Grinnell College with a bachelor’s degree in economics and from Carnegie Mellon University with a Master of Public Administration in public policy and management.

“We are excited David is returning to state service as secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Revenue,” said Gov. Evers. “I look forward to David bringing his decades of experience in the industry, previous history working alongside our dedicated state workers, and his knowledge of our state tax laws and codes back to the department to serve the people of Wisconsin.”

Mark Meyer appointed administrator of the new alcohol division at DOR

The Department of Revenue appointed former Democratic lawmaker Mark Meyer as the administrator of the new Division of Alcohol Beverages. The division was created when Gov. Tony Evers (D) signed 2023 Wisconsin Act 73 and will oversee the enforcement of Wisconsin’s alcohol laws. The administrator can appoint special agents and other employees to carry out the division’s permitting, audit, legal and enforcement functions.

“This Division of Alcohol Beverages was created last session by bipartisan omnibus legislation. I am excited about the prospect of working with stakeholders and staff to implement this legislation within the Department of Revenue and make this a win for the people of Wisconsin,” said Mark Meyer.

Marquette University Law School Poll released a new statewide poll on Wednesday, April 17th. Below, please find a summary of the survey’s results.

Quick Hits on the Poll

President Joe Biden Favorability -19%

• Favorability 40% (Was 41% in February poll)
• Unfavorability 59% (Was 58% in February poll)

President Joe Biden Job Approval -17%

• Approve 40% (Was 41% in February poll)
• Disapprove 57% (Was 58% in February poll)

Governor Tony Evers Favorability +5%

• Favorability 50% (Was 52% in February poll)
• Unfavorability 45% (Was 45% in February poll)
• Haven’t heard enough 5%

Governor Tony Evers Job Approval +8%

• 52% Approve (Was 51% in February poll)
• 44% Disapprove (Was 44% in February poll)

Senator Tammy Baldwin Favorability +5%

• Favorability 47% (Was 42% in February poll)

• Unfavorability 42% (Was 45% in February poll)

• Haven’t heard enough 11%

Senator Ron Johnson Favorability -12%

• Favorability 39% (Was 38% in February poll)

• Unfavorability 51% (Was 52% in February poll)
• Haven’t heard enough 11%

Background on the survey

Marquette University Law School released a February poll this Wednesday. Below, please find the methodology of the poll as released by the Law School in their press release:

About the Marquette Law School Poll

The poll interviewed 814 registered Wisconsin voters between April 3-10, 2024. The margin of error is +/- 4.8 percentage points for the full sample. The partisan makeup of the sample is 34% Republican, 31% Democratic and 34% independent. The interviews were conducted online with 653 respondents and with 161 by telephone using live interviewers.

Complete results can be found here:

• Registered Voter Toplines
• Registered Voter Crosstabs
• Press Release

National Politics

President Joe Biden

President Joe Biden Favorability -19%

• Favorability 40% (Was 41% in February poll)

• Unfavorability 59% (Was 58% in February poll)

President Joe Biden Job Approval -17%

• Approve 40% (Was 41% in February poll)
• Disapprove 57% (Was 58% in February poll)

The MU Law School Poll found that 40% of registered voters approve of the way Joe Biden is handling his job as president, and 57% disapprove of the way he is handling his job, a net -17% in job approval.

For comparison, in the last MU Law School survey in February 2024, 41% of registered voters approved of the job the president was doing and 58% disapproved of the way he was handling the job, a net -17% approval.

President Biden’s personal favorability is similar to his job approval with 40% of registered voters having a favorable opinion of him and 59% having an unfavorable opinion of him, a net -19% favorability. His net favorability is 2 percentage-points worse than the February poll, which found that 41% of registered voters had a favorable opinion of the President and 58% had an unfavorable opinion, a net -17% favorability.

Among voters who identified as Democrats, Biden is viewed favorably by 81% and unfavorably by 18%. Independents were 36% favorable and 61% unfavorable, while Republicans were 5% favorable and 95% unfavorable.

Senator Tammy Baldwin

Senator Tammy Baldwin Favorability +5%

• Favorability 47% (Was 42% in February poll)
• Unfavorability 42% (Was 45% in February poll)
• Haven’t heard enough 11%

47% of registered voters have a favorable opinion of Democratic US Senator Tammy Baldwin and 42% have an unfavorable opinion of her. Sen. Baldwin’s net favorability increased between the February and April polls by 8 percentage-points.

About 85% of Democrats said they had a favorable opinion of Baldwin, compared to 37% of Independents and 15% of Republicans.

About 7% of Democrats said they had an unfavorable opinion of Baldwin, compared to 32% of Independents and 76% of Republicans.

Senator Ron Johnson

Senator Ron Johnson Favorability -12%

• Favorability 39% (Was 38% in February poll)
• Unfavorability 51% (Was 52% in February poll)
• Haven’t heard enough 11%

39% of registered voters have a favorable opinion of Republican US Senator Ron Johnson and 51% have an unfavorable opinion of him. Johnson’s net favorability has slightly increased to -12%, up from the net -14% favorability that he had in the February poll.

About 73% of Republicans said they had a favorable opinion of Johnson, compared to 32% of Independents and 2% of Democrats.

About 17% of Republicans had an unfavorable opinion of Johnson, compared to 46% of Independents and 90% of Democrats.

State Politics

Governor Tony Evers

Governor Tony Evers Favorability +5%

• Favorability 50% (Was 52% in February poll)
• Unfavorability 45% (Was 45% in February poll)
• Haven’t heard enough 5%

Governor Tony Evers Job Approval +8%

• 52% Approve (Was 51% in February poll)
• 44% Disapprove (Was 44% in February poll)

50% of registered voters have a favorable opinion of Governor Evers and 45% have an unfavorable opinion of him. Evers’ net favorability decreased 2 percentage-points between the February and April polls, dropping from +7% to +5%.

93% of Democrats and leaning Democrats said they had a favorable opinion of Evers, compared to 46% of independents and 13% of Republicans and leaning Republicans.

83% of Republicans and leaning Republicans said they had an unfavorable opinion of Evers, compared to 35% of independents and 5% of Democrats and leaning Democrats.

Governor Tony Evers’ job approval has remained stable with 52% of registered voters saying they approve of the job Governor Evers is doing and 44% saying they disapprove (+8% net approval). This is 1-point swing since the February survey when 51% said they approved and 44% disapproved of the job Gov. Evers was doing (a net +7% approval).

92% of Democrats and leaning Democrats said they approved of Evers, compared to 45% of Independents and 18% of Republicans and leaning Republicans.

81% of Republicans and leaning Republicans said they disapproved of Evers, compared to 41% of Independents and 4% of Democrats and leaning Democrats.

The Wisconsin Legislature Job Approval -22%

• Approve 34% (Was 34% in February poll)
• Disapprove 56% (Was 58% in February poll)
• Don’t Know 9% (Was 8% in February poll)

The Wisconsin state Supreme Court Job Approval +7%

• Approve 46% (Was 45% in February poll)
• Disapprove 39% (Was 43% in February poll)
• Don’t know 15% (Was 13% in February poll)

2024 Elections

Presidential Election

Respondents were asked “If you had to choose, would you vote for [Biden] or for [Trump]?”

Vote preference for President among registered voters

• Joe Biden: 49% (Was 49% in February poll)
• Donald Trump: 51% (Was 49% in February poll)

Respondents were asked “If the presidential ballot included additional candidates, would you vote for Democrat Joe Biden, Republican Donald Trump, independent Robert F. Kennedy Jr, independent Cornel West, or Green Party’s Jill Stein?”

Vote preference for President among registered voters

• Joe Biden: 40% (Was 37% in February poll)
• Donald Trump: 41% (Was 40% in February poll)
• Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: 13% (Was 16% in February poll)
• Stein: 3% (Was 4% in February poll)
• Cornel West: 2% (Was 2% in February poll)

Former President Donald Trump

Former President Donald Trump Favorability -13%

• Favorability 43% (Was 40% in February poll)
• Unfavorability 56% (Was 58% in February poll)

43% of registered voters have a favorable opinion of former President Donald Trump and 56% have an unfavorable opinion of him. Trump’s net favorability has slightly increased to -13%, up from the net -18% favorability that he had in the February poll.

About 77% of Republicans said they had a favorable opinion of Trump, compared to 47% of Independents and 2% of Democrats.

About 21% of Republicans had an unfavorable opinion of Trump, compared to 48% of Independents and 98% of Democrats.

U.S. Senate Election

Respondents were asked “If the 2024 election for U.S. Senate were held today … would you vote for [Hovde] or for [Baldwin]?”

Vote preference for U.S. Senate among registered voters

• Tammy Baldwin: 52%
• Eric Hovde: 47%
• Haven’t decided: 1%

GOP Senate Candidate Eric Hovde

Eric Hovde Favorability -5%

• Favorability 19% (Was 4% in February poll)
• Unfavorability 24% (Was 7% in February poll)
• Haven’t heard enough 56% (Was 88% in February poll)

19% of registered voters have a favorable opinion of GOP U.S. Senate candidate Eric Hovde and 24% have an unfavorable opinion of him.

About 36% of Republicans said they had a favorable opinion of Hovde, compared to 10% of Independents and 3% of Democrats.

About 6% of Republicans had an unfavorable opinion of Hovde, compared to 21% of Independents and 44% of Democrats.

State Issues

Right Direction-Wrong Track:

When asked “do you feel things in Wisconsin are generally going in the right direction, or do you feel things have gotten off on the wrong track?” 41% of registered voters said Wisconsin is going in the right direction and 59% said it is on the “wrong track.”

Views largely broke down along partisan lines:

• Republican: 21% right direction | 79% wrong track
• Democrat: 65% right direction | 34% wrong track
• Independent: 36% right direction | 62% wrong track

In February 2024, 42% said that Wisconsin was going in the right direction and 57% said it was on the wrong track. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, 61% said it was going in the right direction and 30% said it was on the wrong track.

State of WI’s Economy:

As Wisconsin heads towards a presidential election in November, respondents were asked “How would you describe the state of the Wisconsin economy these days?” 44% of registered voters described Wisconsin’s economy as “excellent” or “good” while 56% described it as “not so good” or “poor.”

Political affiliation had a significant impact on a respondent’s view of the state’s economy with Republicans having a more pessimistic view compared to Democrats:

Excellent: 6% (GOP: 0% | Independents: 6% | Dems: 11%)

Good: 38% (GOP: 23% | Independents: 34% | Dems: 56%)

Not so good: 42% (GOP: 55% | Independents: 42% | Dems: 26%)

Poor: 14% (GOP: 21% | Independents: 17% | Dems: 6%)

Policy Issues

Most important issue 2024

Respondents were asked to identify the issue that will be important to them in deciding their vote for president in 2024. The economy ranks as the most important issue with 33% of registered voters saying it is the most important issue followed by immigration and border security at 21%, abortion policy at 13%, and Medicare & Social Security at 11%.

Partisan affiliation has a clear impact in determining whether a respondent views a particular issue as “most important” in relation to their vote for president. The top two issues that Republicans view as most important are the economy (43%) and immigration and border security (37%). Democrats, on the other hand, say the most important issues are abortion policy (24%) and the economy (22%). Meanwhile, Independents align more closely with Republicans on this question, saying the most important issues are the economy (31%) and immigration and border security (23%)

In this update:

• Election Updates
• Administration Updates

Election Updates

State Assembly and Senate

Incumbent lawmaker re-election announcements

More lawmakers this week announced their intentions to run for re-election under the new 2023 Act 94 legislative district maps. Listed below are the latest announcements from legislators.

• Rep. Calvin Callahan (R-Tomahawk) announced his reelection bid to the 35th AD. Rep. Callahan has represented the 35th AD since 2020 and was redrawn into the district without being paired with another incumbent. The new 35th has a 64.5% GOP lean.

• Rep. Robert Wittke (R-Racine) announced his bid for the 63rd AD. Rep. Wittke currently represents the 62nd AD and was the only incumbent redrawn into the 63rd under the new maps. The new 63rd AD has a 56.6% GOP lean.

• Rep. Scott Allen (R-Waukesha) announced his candidacy for the 82nd AD. Rep. Allen represents the 97th AD and was first elected to the Assembly in 2014. He was redrawn into the 82nd under the new maps without any other incumbents. The new 82nd AD has a 53.8% GOP lean.

• Rep. Donna Rozar (R-Marshfield) announced her campaign for the 86th AD which includes over fifty percent of her old district. Rep. Rozar has represented the 69th AD since being elected in 2020. Under the new maps, she was drawn into the new 86th. Rep. John Spiros (R-Marshfield), who was also drawn into the 86th, already announced that he is running for the seat. The district has a 62.8% GOP lean, and the primary will be held on August 13.

• Rep. Steve Doyle (D-Onalaska) announced his reelection campaign for the 94th AD. Rep. Doyle was first elected to the state Assembly in 2012 and currently represents the 94th AD which he was redrawn into under the new maps. The new 94th AD is a 50-50 seat.

• Rep. Scott Johnson (R-Jefferson) announced he will be running for the 43rd AD. Rep. Johnson currently represents the 33rd AD but was redrawn into the 97th AD with Cindi Duchow (R-Town of Delafield). The 43rd AD had no incumbents initially drawn in and includes communities that Rep. Johnson already represents. Dylan Kurtz (R-Janesville) has also announced a bid for the seat. The new 43rd AD has a 55.3% Democratic lean.

• Rep. Robyn Vining (D-Wauwatosa) announced her reelection to the 13th AD. Rep. Vining represents the 14th AD and was redrawn into the 13th AD with Rep. Tom Michalski (R-Elm Grove). Rep. Michalski also announced his reelection campaign for the seat despite the district having a 57.5% Democratic lean.

• Rep. Lee Snodgrass (D-Appleton) launched her reelection campaign for the 52nd AD. Rep. Snodgrass currently represents the 57th AD and was redrawn into the 52nd AD under the new maps without another incumbent. The new 57th AD has a 56.6% Democratic lean.

• Rep. Ty Bodden (R-Hilbert) announced his bid for the 3rd AD. Rep. Bodden has represented the 59th AD since 2022 and was redrawn into the 3rd AD with Rep. Ron Tusler (R-Harrison) under the new maps. The new 3rd AD has a 61.6% GOP lean.

Not running for re-election

Senator Rob Cowles (R-Green Bay) announced this week that he will not seek re-election. He joins 19 other incumbent lawmakers in not seeking re-election to their current office in 2024.

• Sen. Rob Cowles (R-Green Bay) was first elected to the Senate in 1987 and is the longest serving member of the state Senate. Sen. Cowles was drawn into the 30th AD with Sen. Andre Jacque (R-DePere) and Sen. Eric Wimberger (R-Green Bay). He initially intended to move into the 2nd AD which he currently represents after the maps were signed. “I’ve enjoyed the opportunity I’ve had to meet people in the State Capitol and throughout Wisconsin who share my love for the state we call home. From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank everyone who wakes up every day working to make our great state an even better place,” said Sen. Cowles.

* Partisan Performance was calculated using the election results from the 2022 U.S. Senate election, the 2022 Wisconsin Gubernatorial election, and the 2020 Presidential Election.

Non-incumbent election announcements

State Assembly

• 9th AD: Deisy Espana (D-Milwaukee) announced her bid for the 9th AD. The 9th AD is held by Marisabel Cabrera (D-Milwaukee) who successfully ran for Milwaukee County Circuit Court Branch 43, creating an open seat. The district has a 71.6% Democratic lean.

• 9th AD: Business owner Priscilla Prado (D-Milwaukee) announced this week she is running for the 9th AD seat as well. She is the founder and owner of Midwest Bookkeeping.

• 11th AD: Rick Banks (D-Milwaukee) announced his candidacy for the 11th AD. He currently works at the Milwaukee County Office of Equity. The 11th AD is currently held by Rep. Dora Drake (D-Milwaukee) who has decided to run for State Senate. The district has an 85.3% Democratic lean.

• 15th AD: Sarah Harrison (D-Brookfield) declared her candidacy for the 15th AD. She is the Founder and Principal Consultant at Order of Operations. The 15th AD is currently held by Rep. Dave Maxey (R-New Berlin), but only Adam Neylon (R-Pewaukee) was drawn into the new 15th AD. The new district has a 57.3% GOP lean.

• 19th AD: Jarrod Anderson (D-Milwaukee) announced his candidacy for the 19th AD. Rep. Ryan Clancy (D-Milwaukee) currently represents the district and was redrawn in under the new maps. The new 19th AD has an 82% Democratic lean.

• 55th AD: Realtor Kyle Kehoe (D-Oshkosh) announced his bid for the 55th AD. Rep. Nate Gustafson (R-Fox Crossing) and Rep. Michael Schraa (R-Oshkosh) were both redrawn into the new 55th. The new district has a 57.8% GOP lean.

• 61st AD: LuAnn Bird (D-Hales Corners) announced she is running for the 61st AD. She previously ran for the 84th AD against Rep. Bob Donovan (R-Greenfield) and lost by two points. This election cycle, Rep. Donovan was drawn into the 7th AD with Rep. Daniel Riemer, and the current representative of the 61st, Amanda Nedweski (R-Pleasant Prairie), was drawn into the 32nd, leaving the district open. Rep. Donovan announced that he will be moving into the new 61st since it is three fourths of his current district, setting up a rematch with Ms. Bird. The new 61st AD has a 50.9% Democratic lean.

• 71st AD: Army veteran Bob Pahmeier (R-Plover) announced his candidacy for the 71st AD. Rep. Katrina Shankland (D-Stevens Point) represents the 71st AD, but she has announced she is running for Congress, which leaves the 71st open. The new district has a 54.3% Democratic lean.

• 92nd AD: Caden Berg (D-Chippewa Falls) launched his bid for the 92nd AD. Rep. Clint Moses (R-Menomonie) was the only incumbent drawn into the district. The new 92nd has a 51.1% GOP lean.

State Senate

• 8th SD: Attorney and environmental policy expert Jodi Habush Sinykin (D-Bayside) launched her bid for the 8th SD to challenge Sen. Duey Stroebel (R-Saukville). She ran in the Spring 2023 special election and lost by 1,296 votes. The 8th SD is currently held by Sen. Dan Knodl (R-Germantown) who has announced he will be running for Assembly after being paired with Sen. Stroebel in the 8th SD. The new 8th SD is a 50-50 seat.

• 14th SD: Sarah Keyeski (D-Sauk City) announced her bid for the 14th SD. She is a rural mental healthcare provider and owns her own practice in Lodi. The 14th SD is currently held by Sen. Joan Ballweg (R-Markesan) who has already announced her reelection campaign. Sen. Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green) was also drawn into the district. The new 14th SD has a 52.6% Democratic lean.

• 30th SD: Allouez Village President Jim Rafter (R-Allouez) announced his candidacy for the 30th SD. He served on the Allouez Village Board of Trustees for ten years and served as President for eight of them. The district initially had three Republican incumbents drawn into it, and all of them decided not to run for the district, either retiring or running in a different race. Right now, Jim Rafter is the only Republican in the race against small business owner Jamie Wall (D-Green Bay). The new 30th SD has a 51.5% Democratic lean.

• 32nd SD: Trempealeau County Supervisor Stacey Klein (R-Trempealeau) announced she is running for the 32nd SD. Ms. Klein dropped out of the U.S. Senate race last month and will now challenge Sen. Brad Pfaff (D-Onalaska) for his state Senate seat. The new 32nd SD has a 53% Democratic lean.

* Partisan Performance was calculated using the election results from the 2022 U.S. Senate election, the 2022 Wisconsin Gubernatorial election, and the 2020 Presidential Election.

Vos recall fails

The Wisconsin Elections Commission voted unanimously to reject the effort to recall Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) because the recall petition lacked the necessary number of valid signatures. According to a memo from WEC staff, regardless of whether the recall would be conducted in the 63rd AD (the district Speaker Vos was elected to in 2022), or in the 33rd AD (the district he was drawn into under the new maps), the effort did not have enough signatures from either district to trigger the recall. WEC staff determined 6,850 signatures would be needed to recall Speaker Vos in the old 63rd AD, but only 4,989 valid signatures were submitted. Meanwhile, 7,195 valid signatures would be needed in the new 33rd, but only 3,053 were submitted. Organizers of the first recall have already launched a second recall effort.

State Supreme Court

Justice Ann Walsh Bradley will not seek re-election

State Supreme Court Justice Ann Walsh Bradley announced she will not seek re-election in 2025. In her statement, Justice Bradley said although she would not seek a fourth term, she could still “do the job and do it well,” adding she could win re-election if she chose to run. However, she said “it’s just time to pass the torch, bringing fresh perspectives to the court.”

SCOWIS currently has a liberal majority that will be more challenging to maintain with Justice Bradley’s retirement. Last spring, the election of Justice Janet Protasiewicz helped liberals secure a majority on the court for the first time in fifteen years. If liberals are able to hold Justice Bradley’s open seat in 2025, conservatives would not have the opportunity to reclaim the majority for at least three years. With the court’s majority up again next year, Justice Bradley would have been a candidate that has already won three times. Meanwhile, Conservative Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge and former Attorney General Brad Schimel has already announced his plans to run in 2025. In the wake of Justice Bradley’s announcement, three liberal judges haveindicated they may launch a bid as well. The judges include Dane County Circuit Court Judge Susan Crawford, 1st District Court of Appeals Judge Pedro Colón and 4th District Court of Appeals Judge Chris Taylor.

U.S. President

Biden introduces student debt relief plan in Madison

President Joe Biden promoted his plan for student debt relief for more than 30 million Americans on Monday in Madison. He said at Madison Area Technical College, “Too many people feel the strain and stress wondering if they’re going to get married, have their first child, start a family because even if they get by, they still have this crushing, crushing debt. That’s not it’s not just a drag on them, it’s a drag on our local economy.” The White House said the plan would impact 40,380 Wisconsinites who owe almost $1.9 billion in student loans.

Before Pres. Biden’s visit, U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil (R-Janesville) said, “Today, President Biden is back in Wisconsin pitching another expensive, inflationary election year giveaway. His student loan debt repayment plan is an unconstitutional abuse of power and is unfair to anyone who did not go to college or paid off their own loans.” During the WisGOP news conference, he said it’s inappropriate to ask those who didn’t attend college to pay for the outstanding loan debt of others and accused Pres. Biden of “trying to buy votes.”

To watch President Biden’s visit, click here.

To read more about the student loan relief proposal, click here.

Lincoln Project releases new ad

The Lincoln Project is running a new digital ad that claims, “the problems we still face at home and abroad aren’t from this White House.” They spent $100,000 for the 60-second ad to run in Wisconsin and Arizona. The ad targets female voters that are soft Republicans. The ad references January 6th, the health and economic impacts of the pandemic response, and then touts President Joe Biden’s first term.

Watch the ad here.

U.S. Senate

AFP Action launches new ad praising Hovde

AFP Action has launched a new ad campaign calling Republican U.S. Senate candidate Eric Hovde the “political outsider” Wisconsin needs. The campaign is a six-figure buy that will run statewide on digital platforms and streaming TV services. The ad has a 30-second and 15-second versions.

Watch the 30-second ad here.

Watch the 15-second ad here.

U.S. House of Representatives

New ads from Opportunity Wisconsin oppose Steil and Van Orden

Opportunity Wisconsin is running digital billboard ads targeting U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil (R-Janesville) and U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-Prairie du Chien). The ad knocking Rep. Steil says, “I support over $44 billion in tax giveaways for the richest 1%,” and Rep. Van Orden says the same but cites $34 billion from a different bill. The billboards will run in their districts.

1st CD Race

Steil announces fundraising

1st CD incumbent Rep. Bryan Steil (R-Janesville) raised more than $638,000 through his congressional campaign account and will report $4 million cash on hand when he files his report next week. Rep. Steil did not mention his spending this quarter but started 2024 with more than $3.6 million cash on hand, putting his spending at around $235,000. The Steil Victory Fund also raised $150,000, and his leadership account pulled in more than $50,000.

3rd CD Race

Cooke announces fundraising

3rd CD candidate Rebecca Cooke (D-Eau Claire) announced she raised more than $490,000 in the first quarter, bringing her fundraising total to over $1.2 million this cycle. She finished 2023 with $496,592 in the bank. Ms. Cooke is running against state Rep. Katrina Shankland (D-Stevens Point) and Eric Wilson (D-Eau Claire) in the Democratic primary. The winner will face 3rd CD incumbent U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-Prairie du Chien) in November.

8th CD Race

Tony Wied enters 8th CD race

Businessman Tony Wied announced his bid for the 8th CD race with former President Donald Trump’s endorsement. Mr. Wied previously owned and operated several Dino Stop gas station and convenience stores in the Green Bay area before selling them in 2022.

Wied joins two other Republicans — state Sen. Andre Jacque (R-De Pere.) and former state Sen. Roger Roth (R-Appleton) — who are also in the race. Jacque announced this week he has raised over $140,000 in the twenty-eight days since joining the race. Last week, OB-GYN Kristin Lyerly (D-Green Bay) announced her bid for the GOP leaning seat last week.

The 8th CD is located in northeastern Wisconsin and has a marked GOP lean. Republican gubernatorial candidate Tim Michels took 55.9% of the vote in the district in 2022 while U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson received 58.8% in the same year. In 2020, former President Trump won 57% of the vote in the district.

Administration Updates

Evers acts on last remaining bills of ’23-’24 session

Governor Tony Evers (D) acted on the last three remaining bills of the 2023-2024 legislative session. The Governor signed SB 981, or the “Prince Act,” which addresses the gaps in the Wisconsin AMBER Alert System by expanding criteria for issuing alerts for missing children. The Prince Act was a response to the disappearances and deaths of Prince McCree and Lily Peters to aid in ensuring authorities have expanded resources in the future to issue larger notices to the public quicker.

Gov. Evers vetoed SB 436 which would have eliminated the requirement that employers obtain a work permit in order to employ 14- or 15-year-olds. In the governor’s statement, he said the bill is wrong for kids and the state, especially with a rise in teenagers working hazardous or illegal jobs. The Republican sponsors of the legislation argued that currently 16 states have removed work permits for teenagers and that Wisconsin is halfway there, having previously removed the work permit form for 16- and 17-year-olds.

Governor Evers also vetoed SB 312 which he argued was “designed to benefit and protect polluters, limiting the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) authority to respond to contamination.” Along with the veto, he called on the Joint Finance Committee to schedule a special meeting to release the funds to combat PFAS. Sen. Eric Wimberger (R-Green Bay), the author of the bill, released a statement responding to Governor Evers’ veto. In the release, he says, “The governor claims that this bill does not release the $125 million in PFAS funds, however this bill is the only vehicle for these funds to be released without creating a massive slush fund for the DNR; The governor claims that this bill contains protections for polluters, but the nonpartisan Legislative Council has shown otherwise, explaining that the provisions only apply to innocent landowners who agree to testing and remediation.”

Below are Gov. Evers’ press releases for the bills:

• For the signed Prince Act, click here.

• For the vetoed SB 436, click here.

• For the vetoed SB 312, click here.

Evers and WHEDA announce workforce and senior housing funding program

Governor Tony Evers (D) and the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) announced the Infrastructure Access Loan program is available to developers and municipalities statewide. The program provides loan funding to cover the costs of installing, replacing, upgrading, or improving public infrastructure related to workforce housing or senior housing. Borrowers can apply for up to 20% of the total development cost of residential housing and related infrastructure at a low-interest rate of three percent, or one percent in municipalities with a population of fewer than 10,000 or for senior housing.

“We made one of the largest state investments in state history in our most recent budget, and I’m excited to see this program and others supporting housing partners across our state,” said Gov. Evers. “We know access to quality, affordable housing is often a barrier to folks joining our workforce in communities across our state. Expanding affordable workforce and senior housing is critical to addressing our state’s workforce challenges and building an economy and workforce that can meet the needs of the 21st Century. I look forward to seeing the positive impacts these programs will have on housing access across Wisconsin.”

For more information on the Infrastructure Access Loan program and other WHEDA’s loan programs, click here.

Evers attends White House State Dinner

Gov. Tony Evers (D) attended a White House State Dinner in Washington, D.C., in honor of Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio. “This State Dinner is an important opportunity to represent Wisconsin on the global stage and celebrate the enduring partnership and friendship Wisconsin has long maintained and cherished with Japan,” said Gov. Evers. “Our shared achievements highlight the power of collaboration between our state and nations, and I am eager to continue building upon this foundation to bring even greater prosperity to Wisconsin and the many Japanese businesses that call our state home.”

According to a press release from the governor, there are 81 Japanese companies with over 224 operations throughout Wisconsin, which has created approximately 8,900 jobs. Since 2013, Japan has invested over $2.6 billion in Wisconsin, making it the second largest investor in the state after Canada.