Wisconsin continues to hold its position as one of the most purple states in the union as voters split their preferences by re-electing Democratic Governor Tony Evers, while giving Republican U.S. Senator Ron Johnson the edge in a close race during Tuesday's general election. Both races were topics of discussion throughout the night on all the national news channels.
Evers will now serve his second term as governor; operating the state with a GOP-controlled legislature. The party has controlled both houses of the statehouse since 2011.
As for Wisconsin's House delegation, political newcomer Derrick Van Orden, who is a Republican retired Navy SEAL, defeated Democrat Brad Pfaff for an open seat in the third congressional district. Pfaff was Gov. Evers' original pick for state agriculture secretary, but failed to receive enough votes during his confirmation hearing nearly a year after assuming the position. He then became a state senator during the 2020 election representing District 32.
Van Orden will replace longtime Democratic House member Ron Kind, who is retiring after serving 26 years. All of Wisconsin's other congressional incumbents were voted back into office on Tuesday, including GOP Reps. Bryan Steil, Scott Fitzgerald, Glenn Grothman, Tom Tiffany and Mike Gallagher; along with Democrats Mark Pocan and Gwen Moore.
Meanwhile, Rep. Gary Tauchen, chairman of the Assembly Committee on Agriculture, chose not to run for re-election. New legislative committee assignments will be decided by the end of the year.
Categories: Wisconsin, Government & Policy