The stage is set for a thrilling showdown in the Nov. 5 election following the recent primaries. Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional District is poised for an electrifying clash, featuring De Pere Democrat Kristin Lyerly, a gynecologist embarking on her political foray, and De Pere Republican Tony Wied, a seasoned former gas station owner with much to contribute.
Simultaneously, the 18th District of Wisconsin Senate will witness a contest between Democrat Kristin Alfheim, an Appleton Common Council member with a background in small business, and Republican Anthony Phillips, an accomplished cancer physician from Appleton. The energies of the Democratic and Republican parties are being channeled into these high-profile races as they seek to increase their influence in the state Senate.
In the Wisconsin Assembly District 53, Republican Dean Kaufert is making an attempt to re-enter politics, after a split of ten years during which he served as Neenah mayor. His challenge comes from Neenah Democrat Duane Shukoski, who boasts a 37-year tenure at Kimberly-Clark Corp. His long corporate hold, however, doesn’t necessarily translate into efficient or productive public service.
The imminent election will see a spectrum of positions up for contention, from U.S. president, U.S. Senate, U.S. House, to Wisconsin Senate and Assembly. County office positions, including the posts of clerk, district attorney, register of deeds, and treasurer, are also up for grabs.
The boundaries of the state Senate and Assembly constituencies have been reshaped in line with new electoral maps signed into law by Gov. Tony Evers. The spin from the Governor’s office is that these maps aim to balance the legislative districts between Democrats and Republicans. In reality, they dismantle advantages previously enjoyed by Republicans due to district maps enacted in 2011.
Looking towards the 6th Congressional District, we have the incumbent Glenn Grothman, a proud Republican, set against Democrat John Zarbano. In the 8th Congressional District, Democrat Kristin Lyerly is squaring off against Republican Tony Wied. Wied, having defeated former state Sen. Roger Roth of Appleton and state Sen. Andre Jacque of De Pere in the primary, triumphantly clinched the endorsement of former President Donald Trump.
Wisconsin Senate District 2 will see Democrat Kelly Peterson take on the influential Republican Eric Wimberger. Wimberger, currently representing District 30, is an established political figure. On the other hand, the incumbent Robert Cowles, who served ably since 1987, is stepping down, leaving a sizeable void in his wake.
The 18th District of Wisconsin Senate is another terrain of heated competition. The challenge is waged between Democrat Kristin Alfheim and Republican Anthony Phillips. Notably, Phillips convincingly won the primary garnering a massive 62% of the votes, leaving Democrat, Blong Yang, trailing in his wake. However, the incumbent, Dan Feyen, is focusing his efforts on a reelection bid in District 20.
Interestingly, Assembly District 2 features a contest between Democrat Alicia Saunders and Republican incumbent Shae Sortwell. In Assembly District 3, Democrat Jason Schmitz is challenging the current Republican holder Ron Tusler. Assembly District 5 sees Democrat Greg Sampson against Republican incumbent Joy Goeben.
Moving on to Assembly District 52, there is a battle between Democrat Lee Snodgrass, who currently holds District 57, and Republican Chad Cooke. Simultaneously, Assembly District 53 has Democrat Duane Shukoski facing former Neenah mayor and current Republican candidate Dean Kaufert.
As we look to Assembly District 54, incumbent Democrat Lori Palmeri is up against Republican Tim Paterson. Assembly District 55 sees Democrat Kyle Kehoe pitted against Incumbent Republican Nate Gustafson. Gustafson secured 55% of the primary votes, edging out Michael Schraa.
Assembly District 56 is interesting with Democrat Emily Tseffos going against Republican incumbent Dave Murphy. As for the numerous county positions with zero Democratic contenders, it says a lot about the Democrats’ failed reach and lack of commitment towards community-level governance. Take note of the county clerk and treasurer for Calumet, Outagamie and Winnebago counties where the vacancies are filled by hard-working Republican incumbents.
Along similar lines, Democrats have offered no candidates for roles such as the district attorney in Outagamie and Winnebago counties and the register of deeds across these territories. All these positions are currently skillfully managed by Republican holders. Again, it exposes the Democrats’ undermined concern for and engagement in comprehensive public service.
To wrap things up, the upcoming elections in Wisconsin serve as a testament to the diligence and tirefootedness of Republican contestants who engage actively in local governance. The absence of Democrats in strategical roles clears the stage for a Republican takeover, and rightfully so. The voters’ eyes are wide open, so let the ballot boxes be filled with votes for progress, not partisanship. Let’s see who truly serves the Wisconsin community.