In brief
In a significant political upheaval in Wisconsin, Republican Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu and Assembly Speaker Robin Vos have both announced their retirements ahead of the fall elections. This development, coupled with the recent redistricting that favors Democrats, sparks increased optimism among Democratic candidates for potential electoral gains. The changing dynamics illustrate the challenges Republicans face in maintaining their legislative dominance in a state that has seen a substantial shift in electoral trends. With the governor's seat also open for the first time in 16 years, both parties prepare for a competitive electoral season.
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A second Republican leader in the Wisconsin Legislature announced on Thursday he will not seek reelection this fall, another sign of the seismic shift in politics in the key battleground state as Democrats grow increasingly optimistic about gaining a majority.
The two highest-ranking Republicans in the Legislature are retiring, in addition to the Democratic governor, shortly after district boundaries were redrawn in favor of Democrats, who believe they can win a majority in the state Senate.
Republican Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu became the latest GOP leader to retire, announcing Thursday that he would not seek a fourth term. This announcement follows Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, the longest-serving speaker in Wisconsin history, who revealed his retirement last month.
“The time has come for a new chapter in my life,” LeMahieu stated. However, he did not disclose his future plans. Elected in 2014, he was appointed as Republican leader of the Senate in 2020.
A wave of Wisconsin Republican lawmakers have expressed intentions to retire ahead of what is anticipated to be a challenging year for the GOP nationally.
Democratic Party Chair Devin Remiker remarked that the retirements of LeMahieu and Vos should serve as a warning to other Republicans: “All potential Republican candidates should take note: Both of your leaders have abandoned you.”
Alongside various Republican lawmakers opting not to run for reelection, a conservative state Supreme Court justice recently declared she would not seek re-election in 2027, following another conservative justice's decision against running this year, leading to an open race scheduled for April 7.
Wisconsin's political landscape has evolved significantly since the GOP gained control of the Legislature in 2011, with former Republican Gov. Scott Walker's administration enacting a wide array of conservative policies without much opposition for nearly a decade.
Nevertheless, changes in the state's Supreme Court in 2023 saw a liberal majority emerge that subsequently overturned GOP-drawn legislative maps. New district boundaries, signed into law by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, have prompted Democrats to aim for a majority in both chambers.
To achieve that, Democrats need to secure just two additional seats in the Senate and five in the Assembly. LeMahieu's retirement signals to observers that Republicans recognize the significant challenges they face ahead of the elections.
The upcoming governor's race, now open for the first time in 16 years due to Evers' retirement, sees Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, backed by former President Donald Trump, as the presumptive GOP nominee with multiple prominent Democrats vying for their party’s nomination.
Evers commended LeMahieu's “patience and persistence” while highlighting their shared successes in legislation addressing issues critical to Wisconsin residents, demonstrating that collaboration can occur despite political differences.
