On Monday, April 16, Representative Joel Kleefisch (R – Oconomowoc) announced he will not seek re-election to the State Assembly in November.
Originally elected in 2004, Kleefisch served seven terms in the State Assembly. An avid sportsman, Kleefisch chaired the Assembly Committee on Natural Resources and Sporting Heritage for a number of terms. His policy goals typically focused on natural resources and criminal justice. During his tenure, he authored criminal justice legislation on human trafficking and child abuse.
Kleefisch is married to Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch, who is up for re-election with Governor Scott Walker in November. The couple has two teenage daughters.
Representative Kleefisch told the media, “My children have never known a parent outside of elected office. It’s time they get at least one parent without a target on their back.”
So far, fourteen state legislators have announced they will not be seeking re-election to their current positions:
- Andre Jacque (R) – Not seeking re-election to 2nd Assembly District, Running for 1st Senate District
- Dale Kooyenga (R) – Not seeking re-election to the 14th AD, Running for the 5th Senate District
- Adam Jarchow (R) – Not seeking re-election to the 28th AD
- Joel Kleefisch (R) – Not seeking re-election to the 38th AD
- Jesse Kremer (R) – Not seeking re-election to the 59th AD
- Tom Weatherston (R) – Not seeking re-election to the 62nd AD
- Kathy Bernier (R) – Not seeking re-election to the 68th AD, Running for the 23rd Senate District
- Terese Berceau (D) – Not seeking re-election to the 77th AD
- Eric Genrich (D) – Not seeking re-election to the 90th AD, running for Mayor of Green Bay
- Dana Wachs (D) – Not seeking re-election to the 91st AD, running for Governor
- Lee Nerison (R) – Not seeking re-election to the 96th AD
- Leah Vukmir (R) – Not seeing re-election to the 5th Senate District, running for U.S. Senate.
- Terry Moulton (R) – Not seeking re-election to the 23rd SD
- Kathleen Vinehout (D) – Not seeking re-election to the 31st SD, running for Governor