The fall general election arrives in earnest Tuesday, Nov. 3. With early in person voting now in progress, these are the ballot candidates for state executive and legislative branch races.

GOVERNOR AND LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR’S RACE

Starting out with the governor’s and lieutenant governor’s race, there are three options.
The first is Tom Tiffany and David Varnam (Republican). The second is David Crowley and Sarah Godlewski. The third is Jamie Jo Carothers (Independent write-in).
Candidates for governor and lieutenant governor are elected on one ticket in the general election, with the ticket receiving the most statewide votes elected to a four-year term. Under Wisconsin Statute 7.50(2)(im), a vote for an independent gubernatorial candidate without a running mate is recorded as a vote for both offices.
The Wisconsin governor is the state’s chief executive officer and head of the executive branch, including a host of duties and powers outlines in the Wisconsin State Constitution. Lieutenant governor is the state’s second-highest elected official and serves as immediate successor to the governor, among other responsibilities. Following are the candidates.

Republican Party
Tom Tiffany

Starting out the list of Republican candidates is Tom Tiffany, a 68-year-old who grew up on a dairy farm near Elmwood. Married to wife Chris with three daughters, Tiffany holds a Bachelor of Science in agricultural economics from UW-River Falls. He shared more in a questionnaire.
Name: Tom Tiffany
Age: 68
Seat/office sought: Governor
Background/education: I grew up on a dairy farm in western Wisconsin, worked my way through UW–River Falls to earn a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics, and built a small business, Wilderness Cruises, in the Northwoods with my wife, Chris, while raising our three daughters.
What is your basic philosophy for governing/representation? My philosophy is that government exists to work for the people, not against them. That means focusing on its core responsibilities: keeping our communities safe, educating our kids, maintaining our roads and infrastructure, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and being a good steward of taxpayer dollars. Government should live within its means, be transparent and accountable, and get out of the way so families, workers, farmers and small businesses can succeed.
What is the most important issue to you and why? How would you address it? My first action as governor will be calling a special session to end the 400-year property tax hike. Regardless of your politics, I think we can all agree that no governor should be able to raise property taxes for the next 400 years with the stroke of a pen. As we work to deliver lasting property tax relief, I will implement a statewide property tax freeze to ensure seniors on fixed incomes, working families, and young people have the certainty that they will not be taxed out of their homes.

Campaign Social Media: @TomTiffanyWI, www.TomTiffany.com

David Varnam

Running along with Tiffany on the Republican ticket but for lieutenant governor is David Varnam, a 47 year old with experience as the former mayor of Lancaster and as a former congressional aide, among other qualifications.
Varnam holds a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies from California Baptist University and is a pro-life, Second Amendment, conservative Republican. He shared more in a questionnaire.

Name: David Varnam
Age: 47
Seat/office sought: Lieutenant Governor

Background/education: Former Mayor of Lancaster, former Congressional Aide, former policy analyst at Focus on the Family; B.A. in Christian Studies from California Baptist University
What is your basic philosophy for governing/representation? I am a pro-life, pro-2nd Amendment, Conservative Republican. Together we can be bold on lowering taxes, cutting red tape, deport criminal illegal aliens, protect the sanctity of life, and keep men out of women’s sports and their bathrooms. We need to improve our education system and the opportunities it provides our children. I will work to give parents a choice and a voice in education, and work to raise test scores, standards and expectations for our students.
What is the most important issue to you and why? How would you address it? We need to be bold on lowering taxes. I am tired of hearing about Florida and Texas when it comes to tax policy. We need to be a leader in the Midwest when it comes to lower taxes.

Campaign Social Media: davidvarnam.com; Facebook: DavidCVarnam; X: DVarnam

Democratic Party
David Crowley

Raised by a father who was an electrician and mother who worked in the service industry, Crowley is married to wife Ericka and has three daughters. Now in his second term as Milwaukee County Executive, Crowley has received several endorsements, including from Governor Tony Evers, former President Barack Obama, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, and Congresswoman Gwen Moore, along with several unions and other organizations. Crowley shared more in a questionnaire.

Name: David Crowley
Age: 40
Seat/Office sought: Governor of Wisconsin

Background/Education:
I grew up in Milwaukee’s 53206 neighborhood in a house my dad purchased from the state for one dollar. He worked as an electrician and my mom was a jane-of-all-trades - doing whatever she could do to help keep us afloat. I graduated from Bay View High School and I was the first in my family to graduate college from UW-Milwaukee.
What is your basic philosophy of government and representation?
I say often if you don’t have a seat at the table, you’re on the menu. As Milwaukee County Executive, I’ve put that philosophy into practice by bringing people to table to deliver essential services, manage taxpayer dollars responsibly, expand opportunities for residents to succeed, and ensure that every community has a voice in the decisions that affect its future.
I believe every major decision begins with listening, and that’s something I make a priority in my work as County Executive. I regularly engage with residents, community leaders, and local partners to understand their needs and bring their perspectives into the decision-making process. Across Wisconsin, public servants must remain accessible and accountable to the people they represent. That means being transparent, working across differences, and bringing people together to find practical solutions to shared challenges.
Our job is to build stronger, safer, and more equitable communities. My approach is grounded in collaboration, accountability, and a commitment to turning ideas into action. As governor, I will work to bring people together around common goals and deliver meaningful results for residents throughout Wisconsin.
What is the most important issue to you and why? How would you address it?
My top priority is building a Wisconsin that works for all of us and making it affordable for working people. As a husband and father or three daughters, I understand how hard families work just to stay afloat. As governor, I will lower the cost of housing, expand affordable health coverage by opening BadgerCare to be a public option, and create good-paying jobs in every part of the state. I will also restore the state’s commitment to public schools and local communities, easing pressure on property taxpayers. Our Wisconsin government should work for the people who work for a living - not only the wealthy and well-connected.
Campaign Social Media:
Instagram: @crowleyforwi
Facebook: @CrowleyForWI
TikTok: @crowleyforwi
X: @DavidCCrowley

Sarah Godlewski

Running for Lieutenant Governor as a Democrat is Sarah Godlewski. A fifth-generation Wisconsinite, Godlewski is 44 years old. Raised in Eau Claire by two public school teachers and with a Bachelor of Arts in peace and conflict resolution from George Mason University, Godlewski is currently the Wisconsin Secretary of State. She shared more in a questionnaire.

Name: Sarah Godlewski
Age: 44
Seat/Office Sought: Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin. I’ve spent my career delivering results in underestimated offices. As State Treasurer, I flipped nine Trump counties, outperformed the top of the ticket statewide, and delivered a record-breaking $65 million to Wisconsin public schools. I’ve worked in the Pentagon, led statewide offices, and co-founded a mission-driven investment firm. I have the track record to prove I fight for working families. Wisconsin needs a Lieutenant Governor who will show up, fight hard, and deliver. That’s exactly what I’ll do.
Background/Education: Raised in Eau Claire by two public school teachers, I’m a product of a union home and Wisconsin public schools. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in peace and conflict resolution from George Mason University. I also have certificates from the National Institute of Public Finance, Pepperdine School of Management. I attended the University of Virginia Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership and the University of Pennsylvania’s Executive Program for Public Administration. I’m a national security fellow with the Air War College and attended the Women’s Campaign School at Yale University. I’m a proud product of Wisconsin public schools.
Basic Philosophy: Government should work for people, all people, not just those at the top. I believe in showing up everywhere, listening to everyone, and fighting to keep Wisconsin’s fundamental promise alive: work hard, play by the rules, and you can build a good life.
Most Important Issue: Affordability. Wisconsin families are working harder than ever while Republicans hand tax breaks to billionaires and reject Medicaid expansion, affordable childcare, and housing investments. As Lieutenant Governor, I’ll fight to make corporations pay their fair share, expand childcare access, bring down housing costs, and protect healthcare, because no family should have to choose between groceries and a doctor’s visit.
Campaign Social Media: Facebook - SarahforWI , Website - sarahforwisconsin.com, X - @SarahforWI, Instagram - @sarah.godlewski, Threads @sarah.godlewski, TikTok - @sarahforwisconsin

Independent write-in
Jamie Jo Carothers

Running as an independent write-in for governor but without a declared running mate is Jamie Jo Carothers. Governor and lieutenant governor run together in the general election after being selected in the primary. A 50 year old with an associates degree from Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, some university credit and work experience in consumer lending and teaching, and other work, Carothers shared more in a questionnaire.

Name: Jamie Jo Carothers
Age: 50
Seat/Office sought: Wisconsin Governor
Background/Education: Work experience in: consumer lending, K-12 teaching, retail & census team lead work. Education: Associates degree from Northeast Wisconsin Technical College; some university college studies in upper-level environmental sciences.
What is your basic philosophy of government and representation? To work only for the people the position is intended for, Wisconsinites, not for groups with goals of some other purpose than that.
What is the most important issue to you and why? How would you address it? What: Quality of life topics regarding Wisconsinites. Why: I’ve become aware of a lowered quality of life standard in the state collectively. How: Creation of an expert team designed to assess social problems in the state and plans put into action following those assessments.
Campaign Social Media:
https://www.facebook.com/jamiejocarothers/
https://www.youtube.com/@jamiecarothers4271

SECRETARY OF STATE

Also on the Nov. 3 general election ballot for contested races is a contest for Secretary of State. The Wisconsin Secretary of State is responsible for maintaining official state records, authenticating documents, maintaining legislative records, servicing on the board of commissioners of public lands, and performing other statutory duties. On the ballot to be Secretary of State this November are JoCasta Zamarripa (Democrat), Pete Karas (Green Party) and Jay Schroeder (Republican).

Democratic Party
JoCasta Zamarippa

Running for Secretary of State as a Democrat is JoCasta Zamarripa, a 50 year old lifelong Milwaukeean and proud daughter of the city’s south side. Zamarripa’s holds a degree from the UW-Milwaukee, with other accomplishments including 10 years service in the state assembly. Now in her second term as Alderperson for Milwaukee’s Eighth District, she shared more in a questionnaire.

Name: JoCasta Zamarripa
Age: 50
Seat/Office sought: Wisconsin Secretary of State
Background/Education: Lifelong Milwaukeean and bachelor’s degree from UW-Milwaukee. Ten years in the Wisconsin State Assembly (2011–2021) Currently in my second term as Milwaukee Alderwoman, 8th District.
What is your basic philosophy of government and representation?
I believe government should work for everyday people, not the wealthy and well-connected. Good representation means showing up year-round, listening to the communities you serve, and delivering real results, from Kenosha to Superior. I have built my career on coalition building and staying rooted in the people I represent, and I believe public officials should carry out their duties with honesty and integrity, keeping partisan politics out of everyday governing decisions.
What is the most important issue to you and why? How would you address it?
Protecting our democracy and the freedom to vote. Wisconsin deserves officials who uphold our elections rather than undermine them. My opponent, a self-proclaimed MAGA activist, wants to abolish our nonpartisan Elections Commission and take over our elections, and has said he would have refused to certify the 2020 results. I will defend the integrity of our election system, carry out this office’s real duties with integrity, and be a strong voice for the working families who deserve a government that serves them.
Campaign Social Media: facebook.com/votejocasta, Instagram @votejocastawi, votejocasta.com

Green Party
Pete Karas

Running as the Green Party candidate is Pete Karas, a 67-year-old former three-term alderman for Racine and graduate of Wm. Horlick High School with class of 1977. Following high school Karas attended UW-La Crosse for a Bachelor of Science in Economics, graduating in 1983. He shared more in a questionnaire.
Name: Pete Karas
Age: 67
Seat/office sought: Wisconsin Secretary of State
Background/Education: Former three-term Alderman, Racine - Wm. Horlick High School, Racine, 1977 - UW-Lacrosse BS Economics 1983
What is your basic philosophy for governing/representation? I answer to voters, not a party. Both parties have run this state and used the power to protect their own turf. That’s why it is so important to elect a third-party candidate to this office. The two major parties have proven they listen to their bosses and not to the people.
What is the most important issue to you and why? How would you address it? Ballot access and election fairness. Wisconsin’s system is built to keep the same two parties in charge. People feel their vote doesn’t matter. I’d use this office to push ranked-choice voting and fairer ballot-access rules, and to argue publicly that more real choices on the ballot make for a stronger democratic republic. Neither party wants that conversation because the current system protects them.
Campaign Social Media:
X: @Petekaras
Facebook: @pete.karas.9
Instagram: @petekaras_wi_sos
TikTok: @votepetekaras

Republican Party
Jay Schroeder

Seeking the Secretary of State post as a Republican is Jay Schroeder, a 64-year-old with an associate’s degree in applied science real estate from Fox Valley Technical College as well as a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Declaring he will change the department on day one, Schroeder shared more in a questionnaire.
Name: Jay Schroeder
Age: 64
Office/position sought: Wisconsin Secretary of State
Background/Education: Associate Degree in Applied Science Real Estate Fox Valley Technical College; bachelor’s degree in business administration - UW Stout
What is your basic philosophy for governing/representation? The final reason of why I decided to run was when I uncovered the office budget increased 157% and employees from 2 to 6.
This is an insult to the taxpayers of Wisconsin.
I will change the department day one.
I am the only candidate exposing the blatant spending going on in the department.
Together we will fix it.
As I have been involved in Election Honest Integrity for over 10 years and have personally discussed the issue with President Trump in Mara Lago.
My one opponent believes voting machines are more accurate than paper ballots.
I couldn’t disagree more.
Leadership demands action.
As Secretary of State I will be willing to take the issue all the way to the U.S. Supreme court if necessary.
We will eliminate voting machines, replacing with paper ballots only.
Proof of Citizenship and voter ID
Eliminate deceased people off of the voting rolls by merging Social Security system with the voting rolls.
When someone passes away their benefits stop and then their name would drop off the voting rolls.
Currently there are more deceased people on the voting rolls than alive voters.
Now Wisconsin has a voting system like Maryland, New York, Illinois and Washington DC. That will change with me as an Elected Secretary of State.
33 states have a Secretary of State in charge of elections. Wisconsin will become the 34th state.
Leadership also means leading as I have challenged the Democrat and Green Party to a series of debates around Wisconsin. To date they have refused.
Today I have been endorsed by Pro-Life Wisconsin and am expecting a national retired veterans organization to do the same.
Campaign Social Media?
info@jayforwisconsin
web: jayforwisconsin.com

STATE TREASURER

Also on the ballot Nov. 3 is Wisconsin State Treasurer’s race, the choice between John Leiber (Republican) and Yee Leng Xiong (Democrat). Responsibilities of the Wisconsin State Treasurer include serving on the board of commissioners of public lands, helping oversee the common school fund, trust fund oversight, and constitutional responsibilities assigned to the office in the Wisconsin Constitution.

Democratic Party
Yee Leng Xiong

Seeking the post of Wisconsin State Treasurer as a Democrat is Yee Leng Xiong, a 32-year-old born and raised in Wausau as the son of refugees who fled persecution. Xiong graduated from D.C. Everest High School and has spent his career in public service, including in local elected office and as Executive Director of the Hmong American Center. Xiong shared more in a questionnaire.

Name: Yee Leng Xiong
Age: 32
Seat/office sought: Wisconsin State Treasurer
Background/education: Born and raised in Wausau, the son of refugees who fled persecution, Yee graduated from D.C. Everest Senior High School and has spent his career in public service. He is a Marathon County Supervisor (since 2016), Treasurer of the D.C. Everest School Board (first Hmong American elected to the board), and a former Village of Weston Trustee. As Executive Director of the Hmong American Center, he rescued the organization from closure and grew its budget to $1.9 million. Gov. Evers appointed him to the Financial Literacy Council.
What is your basic philosophy for governing/representation? I learned early that freedom comes with responsibility: give back and leave things better than you found them. In government, that means treating every taxpayer dollar with respect. Public officials are stewards, not owners, of the public’s money. And the Treasurer does not answer to the Governor or the Legislature, but directly to the people. My job is to be an independent watchdog, to push for transparency and to speak up when the numbers don’t add up.
What is the most important issue to you and why? How would you address it? Protecting and growing Wisconsin’s Common School Fund, more than $1.3 billion that belongs to our kids, not politicians or special interests. As a school board treasurer, I’ve seen firsthand how these investment decisions reach the classroom. I’ll push for smart, transparent investment strategies that protect the principal while delivering strong returns, and I’ll make sure the Trust Fund Loan program keeps working for small towns and rural communities fixing roads and building fire stations without raising taxes.
Campaign Social Media:
Website: www.yeeforwi.vote
Facebook: @yeeforwi
Instagram: @yeeforwi
X: @yeeforwi

Republican Party
John Leiber

Also running for Wisconsin State Treasurer is the incumbent is John Leiber, a 48-year-old who holds Juris Doctor from the University of Wisconsin Law School and a Bachelor of Arts in history from UW Parkside. Running on the Republican ticket, Leiber shared more in a questionnaire.

Name: John Leiber
Age: 48
Seat/office sought: Wisconsin State Treasurer (incumbent)
Background/education: JD University of Wisconsin Law School, BA in History from UW Parkside.
What is your basic philosophy for governing/representation? I believe in small government. I don’t make promises I can’t keep and I don’t look for ways to expand the power of my office. Instead, I seek to continue to do my job well and provide value for every Wisconsinite. Most of this work does not make the news, but it is important and it needs to be done right. The State Treasurer oversees a $1.6 billion fund, and experience matters when investing the people’s money. Serving the public is an honor and I take very seriously the trust that has been placed in me.
What is the most important issue to you and why? How would you address it? The top priority for my second term is to continue growing money from our state investments and turning over record breaking amounts to our schools. The money that the Common School Fund earns is distributed to schools across the state, and this money helps prevent your property taxes from being even higher. If the fund does not perform well, school districts would have to raise taxes to make up the difference in funding. It is vitally important to have a State Treasurer who understands the job and remains committed to smart financial management, otherwise we may all end up paying more in taxes.
Campaign Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeiberForTreasurer
Campaign page: https://www.leiberfortreasurer.com/

STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL

Next on the rundown of state offices to be decided this election is state attorney general. On the ballot are two candidates, Josh Kaul (Democrat) and Eric Toney (Republican). A Wisconsin attorney general is the state’s chief legal officer and head of the Wisconsin Department of Justice. Responsibilities include representing the state in court, providing legal opinions, enforcing open government laws, overseeing criminal investigations and protecting crime victims, as well as supporting local prosecutors, protecting consumers, and serving on the board of commissioners of public lands. Following are the attorney general candidates.

Republican Party
Eric Toney

Starting with Toney, he is 42 years old, born and raised in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, with a B.A. in history and Political Science from St. Norbert College, also holding a J.D. in Criminal Law and Alternative Dispute Resolution from Mitchell Hamline School of Law. Toney shared more in a questionnaire.

Name: Eric Toney
Age: 42
Seat/Office sought: Attorney General

Background/Education?
-Born and raised in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
-I have a 12-year-old dog, Patton.
-B.A., History and Political Science, St. Norbert College, and J.D., Criminal Law and Alternative Dispute Resolution, Mitchell Hamline School of Law
What is your basic philosophy for the attorney general post?
When I survived open heart surgery at 39 years old, I reflected on my life and didn’t have any regrets. I love helping keep people safe, and I’ve done that for nearly 14 years as the district attorney in Fond du Lac County. I was named Wisconsin’s 2024 District Attorney of the Year. As past president of the Wisconsin District Attorneys’ Association, I worked with the Republican Legislature and a Democratic Governor to secure crime lab positions, internet crimes against children DOJ positions, over 50 new prosecutors where they were needed most, and increased resources for prosecutors and public defenders. I’d be honored to take my bipartisan record to our DOJ and put public safety over politics.
What is the most important issue to you and why? How would you address it?
The Department of Justice needs leadership that will put public safety over politics. That means an immediate priority is to fix the crime labs. I’ll support the great lab analysts, end misguided policies that limit law enforcement’s ability to have evidence tested, end work-from-home policies that take analysts away from the lab, and ensure we’re filling the vacant positions we learned about in the nonpartisan audit. Second, confront the drug crisis by empowering public safety leaders to aggressively prosecute drug crimes, especially fentanyl and methamphetamine, and restore the drug investigations in northern Wisconsin that Kaul eliminated, which a tribal leader said is unnecessarily costing lives. Third, back victims, survivors, and law enforcement in all 72 counties by putting public safety over politics.
Campaign Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/EricToneyWI, https://x.com/EricJToney

Democratic Party
Josh Kaul

Also on the ballot for attorney general but as a Democrat is Josh Kaul, the current incumbent. Kaul is 45 years old with an education from Stanford Law School and Yale University before that. Citing public safety as his most important priority, Kaul shared more in a questionnaire.

Name: Josh Kaul
Age: 45
Seat/Office sought? Attorney General of Wisconsin
Background/Education?
Stanford Law School
Yale University Undergraduate
What is your basic philosophy for the attorney general post?
Wisconsin DOJ’s investigative and prosecutorial resources should be used to protect the public as effectively as possible, with decisions about specific cases made based on the facts and law.
What is the most important issue to you and why? How would you address it?
My top priority as AG has been and will continue to be public safety. Wisconsin DOJ should continue working to reduce violent crime, fight the opioid epidemic, and make our schools safer. In another term as AG, I will continue advocating for common-sense gun-safety measures and additional resources that can help make communities safer.
Campaign Social Media:
https://x.com/JoshKaulWI
https://www.facebook.com/JoshKaulWI/
https://bsky.app/profile/joshkaulwi.bsky.social
https://www.instagram.com/joshkaulwi/

STATE LEGISLATIVE RACES

Moving from the executive branch to state legislative races, there are several candidates, both for state assembly and state senate. The Wisconsin State Assembly is divided into 99 seats, with each state senate district encompassing three assembly seats. State assembly members are elected to two year terms while state senate members are elected to four year terms, with state senate elections staggered every two years.
Following are present ballot candidates.

STATE SENATE DISTRICT 23

Starting with State Senate District 23, the candidates are Romain Robert Quinn (Republican) and Jeff Foster (Democrat).

Romaine Robert Quinn

Starting with Quinn, the 35-year-old incumbent was born and raised in northern rural Wisconsin, attending St. Joseph Catholic School before graduating from Rice Lake High School. A proud alumnus of UW-Eau Claire-Barron County, Quinn holds a degree in Political Science and Public Leadership from UW-Green Bay. He served in the state assembly from 2014 to 2020, and was elected to the state senate in 2022. He shared more in a questionnaire.

Name: Senator Romaine Robert Quinn
Age: 35
Seat/Office sought: State Senate - District 23
Background/Education?
Born and raised in northern rural Wisconsin, I attended St. Joseph Catholic School and graduated from Rice Lake High School. During my senior year, I was elected to the Rice Lake City Council and a year later I became the mayor of Rice Lake at age 19.
I’m a proud alum of UW - Eau Claire - Barron County, where I took classes while serving as mayor. Later I earned my bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Public Leadership from UW-Green Bay. I served in the state assembly from 2014 to 2020, and in 2022 I was elected to the State Senate. My wife and I raise our family of three young boys on our hobby farm raising Scottish Highland Cattle. I am also a Realtor, a Knight of Columbus, and an active member of my parish community.
What is your basic philosophy for governing/representation?
Growing up I learned the values of hard work and self-reliance. I bring the same common sense and work ethic to the State Senate by upholding our traditional values: defending the Second Amendment and our sporting heritage, protecting women’s private spaces, and balancing the state budget. I am committed to making critical investments in our rural communities and advocating for the needs of the 23rd Senate District.
What is the most important issue to you and why? How would you address it?
As a husband and father, I understand the challenges families face to keep up with rising costs. That’s why I voted to cut taxes for our families and seniors and support driving down energy costs and lowering property taxes. Our most precious resource and economic driver is our land. I voted to prohibit foreign adversaries from buying farmland and opposed government overreach to raise fees on farmers. I authored legislation regulating data centers and solar projects – giving locals the final say and protecting our farmland, groundwater, and utility bills.
Campaign Social Media:
www.quinn4wi.com
www.facebook.com/quinnforWI

Jeff Foster

Also running for State Senate District 23 is Jeff Foster, a 72-year old with a B.A. in interpersonal communication form the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Professing a sense of deep responsibility to maintain and advance the function of civil society through opportunity, fairness, and compassion, Foster shared more in a questionnaire.

Name: Jeff Foster
Age: 72
Seat/Office sought: State Senate District 23

Background/Education? I have a B.A. in interpersonal communication from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. I took graduate courses at the UWM Graduate School in social work. I earned an M.B.A. from UW-Oshkosh.
What is your basic philosophy for governing/representation?
My philosophy for governing and representing my constituents is that I have a deep responsibility to maintain and advance the functions of civil society by advancing opportunity, fairness, and compassion, especially for my constituents.
What is the most important issue to you and why? How would you address it?
The most important issue to me at this point in time is the chronic underfunding of our public schools. For seventeen years, our Republican-led legislature has failed to meet the funding requirement it set for itself. The result has been an increasing burden on property taxpayers who make no money from living in their homes. This affects renters as well, whose landlords pass the property tax onto them. To make matters worse, needed school district improvements have had to rely on referenda, adding even more to property taxes. I will support fully-funded public schools, because our children are our most precious natural resource and deserve the best learning opportunities regardless of zipcode to become healthy, happy and productive citizens.
Campaign Social Media:
jefffosterprogress.wixsite.com/senate .
facebook.com/foster.progress2day .
Instagram.com/jefffosterprogress

STATE SENATE DISTRICT 31

Also on the ballot this year is State Senate District 31, with Michele Magadance Skinner (Republican) facing Jeff Smith (Democrat).

Michele Magadance Skinner

Running for State Senate District 31 as a Republican, Michele Magadance Skinner is 67 years old and holds a Journalism degree from UW-Madison. Citing the most important issue as affordability, Magadance Skinner includes listening, telling the truth and working with people from both parties in her basic governing philosophy. She shared more in a questionnaire.

Name: Michele Magadance Skinner
Age: 67
Seat and Office Sought: 31st District Senate Seat
Background/Education: Journalism Degree/UW-Madison

Campaign Social Media:
X@MMSkinnerWI
michelemagadanceskinner@gmail.com
FaceBook/michelemagadanceskinner

What is your basic philosophy for the role of the 31st Senate seat?
The 31st Senate District deserves a senator who listens, tells the truth and works with people from both parties to solve problems. The job is not about serving a political party or building a career in Madison. It is about representing the people of western Wisconsin and making sure their voices are heard.
My philosophy is simple: listen first, understand the facts and then get to work. As a journalist, business owner, community leader and county board supervisor, I have learned that good decisions come from asking tough questions, respecting different viewpoints and remaining accountable to the people you serve.
I will protect taxpayers, support our schools, strengthen public safety, improve roads and infrastructure, defend our family farms and protect our lakes and drinking water. I will judge every proposal by whether it is responsible, affordable and helpful to the people of this district.
What is the most important issue to you and why? How would you address it?
The most important issue is affordability. Families are working harder, but groceries, housing, healthcare, energy and property taxes keep taking more from every paycheck. Seniors on fixed incomes and young families trying to buy their first home are especially squeezed.
State government cannot control every price, but it can stop making life more expensive. I will fight for meaningful tax relief, oppose unnecessary fees and mandates, and demand accountability for every taxpayer dollar. We must fund essential services responsibly without simply shifting more costs onto local property taxpayers.
Affordability should be the litmus test for every proposal in Madison: Will it lower costs and let families keep more of what they earn? If not, we should think again.

Jeff Smith

Also running for State Senate District 31 is Jeff Smith, a 72 year old with a B.A. in interpersonal communication from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Citing the most important issue as a chronic underfunding of our public schools and belief that people should be able to hear directly from their representatives, Foster shared more in a questionnaire.

Name: Jeff Smith
Age: 71
Seat/Office sought: Wisconsin Senate District 31
Background/Education:
Right after high school and for most of my adult life I worked to grow a small window cleaning business serving the Chippewa Valley area, eventually expanding it to 22 employees. I was Town Board Chair for the Town of Brunswick, served on my local school board, was elected into the State Assembly in 2006 and 2008, and then elected into the State Senate in 2018 and 2022.
What is your basic philosophy of government and representation?
I believe people should be able to hear directly from their representatives, but more importantly, they need an opportunity to speak directly to their representatives. That’s why I have my Stop & Talk truck, and maybe you have already seen it in your community parked on the side of the road. I want to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to have their voice heard, but I also want to make sure that I can bring what I am hearing from folks to Madison with me. At the end of the day, this is a two way street, and we can only make progress by working together.
What is the most important issue to you and why? How would you address it?
My wife and I raised our two daughters and I was able to grow a successful small business in the Chippewa Valley. But like other people in this region, I’m worried about what the future holds for the next generation that wants to do the same but can’t afford to get ahead. We have to work together to secure a stable, affordable future with access to high-quality health care, reduced lower- and middle-class taxes, and well-supported public schools and higher education opportunities.
Campaign Social Media:
Facebook: TogetherWithJeff

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 68

Running for State Assembly District 68 in this year are Rob Summerfield (Republican) and Elisha King (Democrat). King did not return a questions for more information, while Summerfield shared more in a questionnaire below.

Rob Summerfield

Starting with Summerfield, the 46-year-old Bloomer resident is a 2002 graduate of UW-Stout with Business Administration, previously graduating Bloomer High School in 1998. Currently the incumbent, his basic philosophy is to be an advocate for the people of the 68th Assembly district in Madison.
Listing affordability as the most important issue, Summerfield shared more in a questionnaire.

Name: Rob Summerfield
Age: 46
Seat/Office sought: Assembly District 68
Background and Education: Bloomer High School 1998
UW-Stout 2002 Business Administration
Former Small business Owner
What is your basic philosophy for the role of state representative?
My basic philosophy is to be an advocate for the people of the 68th Assembly district in Madison. For me, that means listening to their concerns and ideas on how they feel state government should operate. Our community has many unique needs and I believe it is important that our representatives make sure they are heard in Madison.
What is the most important issue to you and why? How would you address it?
The most important issue for me is affordability. As I have been talking to people throughout the district, the cost of living has been the biggest concern that they have brought up to me.
In just this past session, I was proud to pass $1.5 Billion in tax relief this session, including income tax cuts and a sales tax exemption for utility bills. I also voted to eliminate taxes on tips and overtime, reduce property taxes, and send rebate checks to the people of Wisconsin. I will continue to work to return money to the citizens of the 68th Assembly district.

Elisha King
Also seeking office in the 68th State Assembly District but as a Democrat is Elisha King. With a website at https://elishakingforassembly.org, King’s policy proposals include a broad base of topics, spread across education, childcare, healthcare, and the environment, sharing more in the biography section of his website.
“My story is rooted in the real challenges facing our communities,” King writes. “Growing up in a household where every dollar counted, I watched my mom build a small restaurant from the ground up - and with it, I witnessed first-hand the hard work, stress, and resilience it takes to forge a life as a single parent. That experience taught me the value of perseverance and the critical importance of supporting our local economy.
“When I had my first child at 21, my future became more than an idea - it became a responsibility. I understood the pressure so many families face, and it ignited my drive to fight for childcare that doesn’t financially cripple parents, schools that are not just adequate, but excellent and offer every child the opportunity to thrive, and an economy that works for all of us - not just a select few.
“Some may want to focus on my age, but my life has been a lesson in leadership. I’ve managed my family’s budget, navigated tough choices and have been the person my friends, colleagues, and supervisors relied on to solve problems. My experience doesn’t come from a political playbook-it comes from the real world.
“I offer fresh energy, a deep understanding of the struggles our community faces, and unwavering commitment to building a better future for all of us.”

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 69

Next for state Assembly races is Assembly District 69, between Joshua Kelley (Independent), Karen Hurd (Republican), and Roger Halls (Democrat).
Roger Halls

Starting with Halls, the 47 year old is a U.S, Army veteran and Stanley resident, as well as a former Stanley City Council member. With two decades working with technology and continuing his education with cybersecurity, Halls professes a governing philosophy of service over politics, sharing more in a questionnaire.

Name: Roger Halls
Age: 47
Seat/Office Sought: Wisconsin’s 69th Assembly District
Background/Education:
I am a U.S. Army veteran, longtime information technology professional, and former member of the Stanley City Council, where I served for six years. I have spent more than two decades working with technology and continue my education in cybersecurity. I have also been involved with community organizations including Children’s Miracle Network and Big Brothers Big Sisters. My experience in the military, local government, technology, and community service has taught me the importance of listening, solving problems, and serving others.
What is your basic philosophy of government and representation?
My philosophy is simple: service over politics. An elected official works for the people they represent, not a political party or special interest. That means listening to constituents, being accessible, explaining decisions honestly, and being willing to work with people you disagree with when it benefits the district. I believe government works best when decisions are made as close to the people as possible and when elected officials remember that public office is a responsibility, not an entitlement. My campaign describes that approach as “Service over politics. Rural Wisconsin first.”
What is the most important issue to you and why? How would you address it?
Affordability is the issue that connects nearly everything else. Families are dealing with the costs of housing, child care, health care, utilities, property taxes, and everyday necessities. I would focus on the areas state government can realistically influence: making child care more affordable and available, strengthening rural health care and EMS, adequately funding public schools so communities are not continually going to referendum and/or costs are forced back to property taxpayers, expanding attainable housing, and protecting residential utility customers from unfair cost shifts. My goal is to make rural Wisconsin a place where people who work hard can afford to live, raise a family, and retire. My current campaign priorities include public schools and property-tax relief, EMS, rural health care, child care, broadband, and infrastructure.
Campaign Social Media:
Website: hallsforwi.com
Facebook: Halls for Wisconsin
X: @hallsforwi

Karen Hurd

Next on the list of candidates for State Assembly District 69 is Karen Hurd. A nutritonaist by profession with several degrees, Hurd is the current incumbent for Assembly District 69. Citing smaller government and representing “we the people” rather than her personal beliefs as her basic philosophy of government and representation, Hurd shared more in a questionnaire.
Name: Karen Hurd
Age: 68
Seat/Office sought:
Representative to the Wisconsin 69th District Assembly

Background/Education:
First elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 2022 and re-elected in 2024. Member of the Legislature’s powerful Joint Finance Committee and Assembly lead on agricultural issues on the committee. Chair of the Veteran’s Legislative Study Committee.
Graduated from Kirkwood High School in Kirkwood, Missouri, in 1976. Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Truman State University in 1980. Diploma in Comprehensive Nutrition from Huntington College of Health Sciences in 1994. Master of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Saint Joseph in 2017. Master of Public Health from George Washington University in 2024.
Nutritionist by profession, owner and operator of Karen R. Hurd Nutritional Practice since 1994. Additionally, restaurant owner, film producer, and military service. Service in United States Army from 1980 to 1984 in Military Intelligence, attaining the rank of Captain. Military awards include the Army Service Medal, Air Assault Badge, and Marksmanship Badge.
Member of American Legion Post 118 in Thorp. Previously served as a Trustee for the Village of Fall Creek from 2021 to 2024 and held leadership positions with American Legion Post 376, the Fall Creek Public Library Board of Trustees, the Fall Creek Lions Club, the Fall Creek Historical Society, and Faith Evangelical Free Church.
Graduate of the Bowhay Institute for Legislative Leadership Development (BILLD) and the State Legislative Leaders Foundation Emerging Legislative Leaders Program.
Married and has five children and seven grandchildren. Resides in the Town of Withee on a small farm.
What is your basic philosophy of government and representation?
Smaller government and representing “we the people” not my own personal beliefs.
What is the most important issue to you and why? How would you address it?
The economy. When we have a strong economy, all boats rise. Manage the budget and policies of the state to facilitate economic growth.

Joshua Steven Kelley

The third candidate for State Assembly District 69, Joshua Steven Kelley did not return a questionnaire response but ran for the same seat in 2024. A carpenter for 17 years with additional experience as a stainless steel pipe fitter, Kelley is the son of Bev and Steven Kelley, with grandparents Donald and Charlotte Rusch and Doc and Shirly Arnoson of Owen-Withee. Kelley previously responded that he leans towards a delegate view rather than a trustee viewpoint, with it being the representative’s duty to represent the people and their views rather than the other way around.

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 91

Running for State Assembly District 91 with relevance to Wilson are Jodi Emerson (Democrat) and Bruce Stabenow (Republican).
Neither Emerson or Stabenow returned a questionnaire response, while details at their respective websites allow for a brief overview.

Jodi Emerson
Starting with Emerson, the current incumbent for State Assembly District 91 keeps a website where she shares that her grandfather was a farmer and her father worked at Uniroyal until it close.
Professing herself a champion for the people who understands the challenges of the Chippewa Valley, the incumbent Emerson says she is running for re-election because MAGA Republicans in the Assembly are playing politics with the future of the Chippewa Valley. Readers can find more at https://www.emersonforassembly.com

Bruce Stabenow
Challenging Emerson for Assembly District 91 is Bruce Stabenow. Keeping a social media presence on Facebook at Bruce Stabenow for Wisconsin Assembly District 91, Stabenow says he is focused on actual results for Assembly District 91, including balancing the budget, reducing taxes, supporting small business, improving affordability and creating jobs. Readers can find out more online.