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Election Rundown

November 11, 2024

Shifts in the Legislature Under New Maps


The results of Wisconsin’s 2024 General Election are providing a new landscape in the state Legislature, shaped largely by newly adopted district maps. The results reflect narrower party margins in both the State Senate and the Assembly, creating a more competitive environment as Democrats made gains under the redistricted lines. Democrats hope these changes set the stage for a shift in which party controls the state legislature in two years.


State Senate: Democrats Narrow the Gap with Republicans

In the State Senate, where only even-numbered districts were up for election, Democrats made notable progress, reducing the Republican majority to an 18-15 split. Prior to the election, Republicans held a commanding 22-10 supermajority. Democrats captured four previously Republican-held seats.


See all State Senate results here.


State Assembly: Republicans Maintain Majority, but Lose Ground

In the State Assembly, all 99 districts were up for election. Republicans retained control with a 54-45 majority. Democrats picked up 10 seats from last session’s 64-35 balance. While Assembly Democrats had expressed optimism about flipping the chamber under the new district maps, they fell short of the majority needed to take control.


See all State Assembly results here.


Looking Ahead

This election marked the first under Wisconsin’s new legislative maps. The redistricting process has reshaped Wisconsin’s legislative districts, making many races more competitive. The 2024 elections have set a new political tone in Wisconsin’s state government, with both parties eyeing the possibility of further changes in the next election cycle. While Republicans hold the majority in both chambers, the narrower margins mean both parties will need to work cooperatively in the coming legislative session. The League looks forward to continuing our work with both parties in the upcoming session.

Senate Majority Leadership Selected


After Tuesday's elections, the Senate Republican Caucus met to select their leadership for the next legislative session beginning in January.


  • Senate Majority Leader – Devin LeMahieu
  • Senate President – Mary Felzkowski
  • Senate Assistance Majority Leader – Dan Feyen
  • Senate President Pro Tempore – Patrick Testin
  • Senate Republican Caucus Char – Van Waggaard
  • Senate Republican Caucus Vice-Chair Rachel Cabral-Guevara


Assembly Republican's and Senate Democrats will select leaders tomorrow, Tuesday, November 12th and Assembly Democrats will follow on Tuesday, November 19th. We will also see the Joint Finance Committee members, who craft the state budget after the Governor's introduction, announced in the coming weeks as well as other legislative committee assignments in each house.

NEW: League Partner Brings You More Capitol News


As we announced in the last bulletin, the League recently entered into a partnership with the Wheeler Report in Madison to help curate additional content for our legislative updates. Members will gain access to valuable summaries from Wheeler starting in January.


For a sample of the new content, Wheeler Report prepared a post election referendum results report. Follow these links to see the results of all the municipal and school district referendum results across the state.


The strategic collaboration with Wheeler brings the expertise they have been providing subscribers for over 50 years alongside the policy expertise at the League to provide the most robust coverage and insight into key issues facing local governments. This partnership will provide members additional information to stay informed and become more involved in the legislative process. Look for additional content in January!

League Legislative Priorities


As the holidays approach and we prepare for a new year, the League is busy working on the 2025-2026 legislative priorities. We will be working in a number of key municipal areas this session including:

  • Tools to combat inflation
  • Infrastructure Investments
  • More Housing Wisconsin
  • Economic Development and Workforce
  • Community First decision making


Look for more information as the year closes on the full legislative agenda.

Final Reminder - Remember MOE When Budgeting


While finalizing your 2025 budget keep in mind considerations related to the new Maintenance of Effort (MOE) reporting requirements under 2023 WI Act 12.

All municipalities and counties were able to certify the first year of MOE on July 1, 2024 which meant the 2024 effort was "on pace" with 2023. The 2025 report will be an extension verifying that all of 2024 levels were equivalent to 2023.


However, as you finalize your 2025 budgets it is critical to consider how the budget compares to 2024.

  • For the 2026 reporting period – not due until July 1, 2026, municipalities and counties will be required to certify to DOR that law enforcement (only for those with populations 20,000 or more), fire, and EMS services provided in all 12 months of 2025 were equivalent to the level that was provided in all 12 months of 2024.
  • Remember you can choose different reporting criteria for the 2026 report, but the effort in 1 of 3 for law enforcement and 2 of 4 for fire and EMS have to be equivalent to the 2025 calendar year you are budgeting for now.


⭐For further information DOR will continue to update the common questions of their MOE website. For updates register to receive DOR's newsletter.

Email questions or comments to:

Toni Herkert, Government Affairs Director, therkert@lwm-info.org

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