State Republicans Retain Strong Majorities in Both Houses
It appears, based on unofficial results, that state Senate Republicans have expanded their margin from 19-14 to 21-12 by picking up two Democrat seats and assuming Republicans will successfully defend Senator Fitzgerald’s seat after he vacates it. Republican incumbents Sen. Pat Testin (R–Stevens Point) and Sen. Alberta Darling (R–River Hills) won their seats and the parties split the open seats with Republican Eric Wimberger beating Jonathon Hansen in Green Bay and Democrat Brad Pfaff defeating Dan Kapanke in La Crosse. Also, Republican Rob Stafsholt defeated incumbent Democrat Patty Schachtner in the northwest Wisconsin 10th Senate district.
In the Assembly, Republicans held off an attempt by Assembly Democrats to pick up seats. Capitol insiders had Assembly Republicans losing five seats or more but it appears only two Republican incumbents have been defeated: Representatives Rob Hutton (R – Brookfield) and Jim Ott (R – Mequon). This would make the new Assembly margin going into the 2021-2022 legislative session 61-38 in favor of Republicans.
Senate Republicans are scheduled to meet tomorrow, November 5, to select new leadership. Senator Devin LeMahieu (R-Oostburg) and Senator Roger Roth (R-Appleton) are vying to replace newly-elected Congressman Scott Fitzgerald as Senate Majority Leader.
The Assembly Republican and both Democratic caucuses are convening on Tuesday, November 10, to select their leaders.