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.
Assembly District 61
Wisconsin Assembly District 61 includes Greendale, Hales Corners, most of the city of Greenfield, and parts of southwest Milwaukee and northeast Franklin.
According to WisPolitics, no current lawmakers were drawn in to the new District 61. Republican Rep. Bob Donovan is moving into it. He beat another Republican, Martin Gomez, in the Aug. 13 primary. Donovan and Democrat LuAnn Bird will face each other in the Nov. 5 general election.
The district leans approximately 51% Republican.
WUWM sent a questionnaire to the candidates. Their responses below may be edited for length and clarity.
Meet the candidates
Bob Donovan (Republican)
What motivated you to run for this office?
These past two years in the Assembly, I believe, have resulted in positive steps forward. I was able to pass critical bipartisan public safety measures that protect not only citizens in the district, but the state as a whole. I was proud to author a number of laws that protect against reckless driving and dangerous police pursuits. While these successes move the needle toward a safer community, there is more work to be done. I believe my experience with Milwaukee and state officials is a unique opportunity to be a bridge between them. For those reasons, I wish to continuing serving the good people in southwest Milwaukee County.
What concerns are you hearing from constituents, and how do you plan to address those if elected?
When I talk to constituents, I constantly hear about the concern of rising costs that put people between a rock and a hard place financially. While this may seem insurmountable, there are things that can be done. This past session, I made it a priority to support property tax relief, middle class tax relief, and proposals that would eliminate up to $150,000 in state taxes on retirement income — allowing citizens to have more of their own money. I will continue to support these common sense proposals and expand upon them. These proposals have the ability to offset the effects of our increased cost of living.
What would success look like for you at the end of your term?
Success can look different for many people. However, I think we can all agree that when government actually works, we all benefit. This last session, in divided government, I was able to pass 7 bipartisan bills that included public safety, mental health, healthcare. These were all signed into law with support from large groups of bipartisan legislators and community stakeholders. Although difficult to achieve, it shows that government can work for the people. This success can be replicated and I hope that, if given the chance, I can continue to work with anyone toward a common goal.
What distinguishes your experience from the other candidate(s) in this race?
My experience in local issues is essential to ensuring we continue to work together for Wisconsin. Local issues are nonpartisan and are resolved with common sense solutions. For example, I obtained $7 million for more sound barriers along I-894. This 30 year issue impacts thousands of residents and is now moving to a resolution. The historic shared revenue bill, which increased funding for every municipality, took the knowledge of local issues and the ability to bring different mindsets together to accomplish. I believe my ability to get these local issues done and serve as a bridge between Milwaukee and Madison can continue to be useful.
Please list any notable endorsements you’ve received in this race.
Milwaukee Police Association, Milwaukee Fire Union Local 215, Mayor of Greenfield Mike Neitzke, Village President Dan Besson, County Supervisor Patti Logsdon.
Total fundraising (reported as of 10/21/24):
Total raised: $792,697
Total spent: $813,746
Major contributions from: Republican Party of Wisconsin, Republican Assembly Campaign Committee
LuAnn Bird (Democrat)
What motivated you to run for this office?
I want to get things done in Madison. We have big problems to solve. Extreme MAGA politicians are taking away women's rights to reproductive health care including deciding when a doctor can save a woman’s life. They’re blocking common-sense gun safety laws that would save lives and make our communities safer and they are helping corporations jack up prices on Wisconsin families. Democracy is under attack because of laws being passed that disenfranchise voters so the Republicans can win elections. Disability rights, LGBTQ+ rights, pubic education are under attack. I want to bring civility back to the political process and represent voters.
What concerns are you hearing from constituents, and how do you plan to address those if elected?
People are concerned about high taxes, especially in Milwaukee where they just got hit with increased property values, an increase in city and county taxes, and paying for a successful school referendum for Milwaukee County Schools. I also hear about government interference in reproductive rights, gun violence, crime, reckless driving, unsafe schools and communities and voters are concerned about the extremist outside groups taking over local school boards to push a conservative agenda.
What would success look like for you at the end of your term?
We would have a government that represents what people in my district care about. By talking with my colleagues from both parties we can pass legislation to make sure access to abortion is available without government interference. We would be saving lives because we have gun laws in place that keep guns out of the hands of those who would hurt themselves or someone else, mandate background checks on all gun sales and require gun locks in homes where children are present. Education would no longer be a political football and instead we would be working together to make sure all children funded by tax payer money are learning at high levels.
What distinguishes your experience from the other candidate(s) in this race?
My diverse background includes 34 years of improving access for persons with disabilities, four times elected to school boards —serving for 10 years, board governance consulting for 5 years, executive director of the League of Women Voters of WI, raising money for a poverty advocacy, President of Friends of the Hales Corners Public Library, activist for gun safety legislation and fighting for women's access to abortion. My opponent was on the Milwaukee City Council for 20 year where crime, violence, reckless driving and taxes have increased during that time. He was endorsed by pro-life. I am an effective leader who gets things done. He is not!
Please list any notable endorsements you’ve received in this race.
- Planned Parenthood
- Emily's list
- Climate Cabinet
- Sister District PAC
- Moms Demand Action
- Wisconsin Muslim Civic Alliance (WMCA) Progressive Seniors
- Wisconsin District Labor Council.
Total fundraising (reported as of 10/21/24):
Total raised: $1,673,838
Total spent: $1,659,312
Major contributions from: Assembly Democratic Campaign Committee, Democratic Party of Wisconsin
