Wisconsin Republicans are navigating an unprecedented wave of retirements from some of their most powerful officeholders — and Democrats are already eyeing the openings.
LeMahieu Steps Down
State Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu (R-Oostburg) announced this month he will not seek re-election, citing a desire to start “a new chapter” in his life. First elected to the State Senate in 2015, LeMahieu rose to Majority Leader in 2020 and has been one of the most influential Republicans in state government. He gave no additional reasons for his departure.
Vos Closes Out A Historic Run
LeMahieu’s announcement came just one month after State Assembly Speaker Robin Vos revealed he would also retire. Vos is the longest-serving Assembly Speaker in Wisconsin history, having won the 63rd district in 2004 and earning the Speaker title in 2013. This past November, Vos suffered a mild heart attack, which he cited as a factor in his February retirement announcement.
Ziegler Won’t Seek Re-Election
On the judicial front, Supreme Court Justice Annette Ziegler has announced she will not seek re-election. Her departure sets up a potentially pivotal 2027 judicial election in which Democrats could expand their current 4-3 majority to 6-1 on the state’s highest court. (RELATED: Sean Duffy Delivers: Over $1 Billion Headed to Replace 65-Year-Old Bridge Linking Superior and Duluth)
This spring, the battle for another open Supreme Court seat is already underway. Conservative Appeals Court Judge Maria Lazar and liberal Judge Chris Taylor face off April 7 for the seat vacated by Justice Rebecca Bradley, who also announced she would not seek re-election. Lazar is running to preserve the current 4-3 Democratic majority from widening further.
A Redrawn Map And Federal Stakes
The retirements come as Wisconsin Republicans already face a more difficult legislative landscape. In 2024, Democrats introduced a new legislative map designed to erode the GOP’s statehouse majority, putting multiple seats in play.
“These retirements have largely confirmed what we had already thought, which is that we have an extraordinary opportunity this year in Wisconsin,” said Wisconsin Democratic Party Chairman Devin Remiker. (RELATED: Kidney Stones Or Debate Dodge? Wisconsin Supreme Court Candidate Taylor’s Miraculous Recovery Raises Eyebrows)
On the federal level, all eight of Wisconsin’s congressional districts are up for election — six of them currently held by Republicans. Among the most closely watched is the 7th Congressional District, currently held by Rep. Tom Tiffany, who is forgoing re-election to run for governor. Democrats have identified the seat as a top flip opportunity as the GOP leadership shuffle continues
