MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A second Republican leader in the Wisconsin Legislature announced on Thursday he will not seek re-election this fall, indicating a seismic shift in the political dynamics of this key battleground state as Democrats are increasingly optimistic about gaining a majority.
The two highest-ranking Republicans in the Legislature are retiring, alongside the Democratic governor, soon after district boundaries were redrawn to favor Democrats, who believe they can secure a majority in the state Senate.
Republican Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu has confirmed he will not pursue a fourth term, following Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, the longest-serving speaker in Wisconsin history, who announced his retirement last month.
“The time has come for a new chapter in my life,” LeMahieu stated regarding his decision, without revealing his future plans. First elected in 2014, LeMahieu became Republican Senate leader in 2020.
Multiple Wisconsin Republicans have declared their intentions to retire this year in what is anticipated to be a difficult election cycle for the GOP nationwide.
Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Devin Remiker remarked that these retirements should serve as a warning to other Republicans.
In recent times, a conservative state Supreme Court justice also announced she would not run again in 2027, alongside a fellow conservative justice who opted out this year, creating an open seat for an election scheduled for April 7.
Republicans gained control of the Legislature in 2011, enabled by then-newly elected Republican Gov. Scott Walker, who enacted legislative maps that helped the party strengthen its majorities. However, after the liberals seized a majority on the Wisconsin Supreme Court in 2023, the GOP-drawn legislative maps were overturned, leading to new boundaries that Democrats hope will help reduce Republican dominance in the upcoming elections.
Democrats need to gain just two seats to take over the Senate and five in the Assembly, indicating a significant opportunity for a political shift.
As the governor’s race opens for the first time in 16 years due to Evers’ decision to retire, Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, endorsed by President Trump, appears to be the likely GOP nominee, facing competition from seven prominent Democrats in the August primary.
LeMahieu’s decision signifies that Senate Republicans recognize the potential for political change in Wisconsin, with various Democratic campaign strategies aimed at flipping the Legislature.
