Earlier this week, State Representative Mary Hubler (D-Rice Lake) announced she would not run for re-election in the fall. She’s the fifth-longest serving member of the Assembly, having served 26 years.
Hubler is the fifth Democrat who will leave the Assembly this year. Nine Republicans have also announced they will not run again, along with Independent Jeff Wood.
Leaving the Assembly:
Democrats Chuck Benedict (Beloit), Steve Hilgenberg (Dodgeville), Mary Hubler (Rice Lake), Tom Nelson (Kaukauna), and Gary Sherman (Port Wing).
Republicans Brett Davis (Oregon), Don Friske (Merrill), Mark Gundrum (New Berlin), Thomas Lothian (Williams Bay), Kitty Rhoades (Hudson), Roger Roth (Appleton), John Townsend (Fond du Lac), Leah Vukmir (Wauwatosa), and Rich Zipperer (Pewaukee).
Independent Jeff Wood (Chippewa Falls)
In the Senate, Democrat Judy Robson of Beloit and Republicans Alan Lasee of De Pere and Ted Kanavas of Brookfield have announced they will not seek re-election.
Congressman Dave Obey’s decision to retire after 41 years in Congress may prompt additional members of the legislature to leave office in order to run for Obey’s seat. The 7th Congressional District is the largest in terms of geographic area in the state, covering all or part of 21 counties in northern Wisconsin.
Candidates must file nomination papers by July 13.
Update May 10: Two additional members of the Legislature have announced their retirement — Rep. Phil Montgomery (R-Ashwaubenon) and Rep. Spencer Black (D-Madison).