Wisconsinites will vote for state Assembly and Senate candidates in the general election Nov. 5, 2024.
This is the first election under newly-competitive district maps.
What do the Wisconsin Senate and Assembly do?
The Wisconsin Legislature is made up of 99 Assembly representatives and 33 Senators from across Wisconsin. Together, they have the power to create, amend and repeal laws.
The Legislature plays a major role in deciding how to use taxpayer-funded state revenue every two years in the biennial budget. Whether more or less money is spent on education, economic development, tax relief — that is decided by the majority in the Legislature, along with Wisconsin's governor, who has to sign the budget, and other bills, into law.
What's at stake?
The Wisconsin Legislature has been firmly controlled by Republicans for more than a decade, under gerrymandered legislative maps.
Those maps were thrown out by the liberal-majority Wisconsin Supreme Court last year, which prompted the Legislature to approve new maps proposed by Gov. Tony Evers.
Democrats now have a chance of winning the majority in the Assembly, if they win a handful competitive districts.
In the Senate, only half of the seats are up for election, which means Republicans are likely to hold a majority in that chamber for the next two years at least. But Democrats are still working to flip some of the seats.
Senate District 28
Wisconsin Senate District 28 includes Muskego, New Berlin, most of the city of Waukesha, Big Bend, Mukwonago, and Waterford.
According to WisPolitics, no current lawmakers were drawn in to the new District 28. Republican Julian Bradley announced he will move into the district. He is running against Democrat Megan Lach.
The district leans approximately 64% Republican.
WUWM sent a questionnaire to the candidate. Responses below may be edited for length and clarity.
Meet the candidates
Julian Bradley (Republican)
What motivated you to run for this office?
I ran in 2020 to combat the vile anti-police rhetoric that was so prevalent at the time and to get our state reopened. I’m seeking reelection to continue my support of law enforcement, fight for transformational tax reform that will help combat inflation while making Wisconsin the best place in the country to raise a family, start a business, spend your retirement years and to improve K-12 education for all children. We must tackle the abysmal literacy and math scores to give kids a chance at achieving the American Dream.
What concerns are you hearing from constituents, and how do you plan to address those if elected?
I regularly hear from my constituents that they are concerned about what’s going on in schools, at the border, and trying to deal with this record inflation. Folks are consistently expressing their frustration with the high prices they see every day when they buy groceries, fill up their gas tank, or take the kids out to celebrate a birthday. They are finding it more difficult to get ahead financially or adequately save for retirement. They desperately want a break and a change. I will be a champion for tax and spending cuts, which will leave more of your money in your pocket and continue to fight for universal school choice.
What would success look like for you at the end of your term?
I would consider my term successful if the people I’m honored to represent can look back on the last four years and say “I may not have agreed with him on everything, but I’m glad Julian was there to fight for us.”
What distinguishes your experience from the other candidate(s) in this race?
I come to public service from a successful career in the private sector and with a lifelong passion for giving back to the community. I grew up in severe poverty. I know how hard it is to get ahead when you start with nothing. But even during the worst of times, my mom taught me that nothing is more valuable than opportunity. I’m committed to ensuring everyone has the opportunity to achieve their version of the American Dream.
Please list any notable endorsements you’ve received in this race.
I will release a list of endorsements this fall.
Julian Bradley campaign website
Megan Lach (Democrat)
What motivated you to run for this office?
I’m running for office out of a deep commitment to Wisconsin’s future and a love for our state, its people, and my daughter’s future. Growing up here, I understand the importance of strong infrastructure, education, and protecting personal freedoms. My leadership experience, coupled with being a single mother, fuels my passion for reproductive rights, affordable childcare, accessible healthcare, and quality education.
What concerns are you hearing from constituents, and how do you plan to address those if elected?
I’m hearing a lot of concerns from constituents about rising costs, healthcare access, and the state of our education system — particularly the recent influence of politics and PACs. People are also worried about threats to reproductive rights and personal freedoms.
If elected, I’ll work to make healthcare more affordable, protect reproductive rights, and keep politics out of our schools. I’m also committed to improving infrastructure and making sure we have a state legislature that actually works for the people and addresses the issues that matter to all Wisconsinites.
What would success look like for you at the end of your term?
Success at the end of my term would mean seeing real progress on the issues that matter most to Wisconsinites—more affordable healthcare, strong protections for reproductive rights, and an education system free from political interference. It would also mean improving our infrastructure and ensuring our state legislature is functioning effectively for the people. Ultimately, success would look like a state where every resident feels their voice is heard, their rights are protected, and their opportunities to thrive have expanded.
What distinguishes your experience from the other candidate(s) in this race?
As a single mother, I have a unique understanding of the challenges families face today. I worry about sending my daughter to school in the midst of rising gun violence, and I want a future where she can make her own healthcare decisions, read the books she chooses, and live without fear of who she may love. My experiences as a parent and professional have shaped my perspective, and I’m deeply committed to fighting for the rights and safety of all Wisconsinites.
Please list any notable endorsements you’ve received in this race.
Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Endorsement
