Assembly Dems have re-elected Gordon Hintz as minority leader after the caucus gained one seat in the midterm elections.

The Oshkosh Dem ran for the post unopposed. But a motion to re-elect him unanimously was shot down following Rep. Christine Sinicki’s objection, leading to a paper-ballot vote.

The caucus also selected Dianne Hesselbein, of Middleton, as assistant minority leader over challenger David Crowley, of Milwaukee; and Steve Doyle, of Onalaska, as caucus vice-chair over Lisa Subeck, of Madison.

And members re-elected Mark Spreitzer, of Beloit, as caucus chair; Beth Meyers, of Bayfield, as caucus secretary; and Sinicki, of Milwaukee, as sergeant at arms. All elections — except Meyers and Sinicki, who were approved unanimously — were conducted via paper ballot.

Hintz, addressing the caucus after the elections, touted Gov.-elect Tony Evers’ win as a means of depoliticizing state agencies; safeguarding the state from “further damage;” and ensuring “the priorities of health care and K-12 education remain priorities going forward.”

He added Evers’ win “dramatically changes” Assembly Dems’ role going forward, pointing to the state budget, which he says will likely require support from the caucus.

“That presents an opportunity for all of us to impact positively the decisions made in our state,” he said.

Hintz also said Evers’ election means the state “won’t have rigged maps again,” adding that many Assembly Dem candidates who ran for office this year are interested in running again in 2022 “when we get fair maps.”

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