GOP state Rep. Amy Loudenbeck, Assembly vice-chair of the Joint Finance Committee, has filed to run for secretary of state.
The Clinton Republican, who won her Assembly seat in 2010, would be the first high-profile challenger to longtime Dem incumbent Doug La Follette in years.
Loudenbeck told WisPolitics.com she’s still making a final decision on a possible bid.
“I still need some time to talk to family, friends and supporters,” said Loudenbeck, who registered with the state Nov. 19. “I expect to make a final decision shortly.”
La Follette, 81, told WisPolitics.com today that he won’t make a decision on seeking another term until the spring. He said he doesn’t enjoy working from home amid the COVID-19 pandemic, but otherwise anticipates running for reelection if the pandemic has improved.
“My health is pretty good, and I think it’s important to have someone there to stick up for the office against Republicans who have tried to destroy it,” La Follette said.
So far, three other Republicans have filed to run for the office, including Jay Schroeder, of Neenah. He took 47.2 percent of the vote in 2018 as La Follette won his 11th four-year term. Walker took 48.4 percent that year.
La Follette first won the office in 1974 and then ran unsuccessfully for lieutenant governor in 1978. He won back the office in 1978 after successfully challenging Dem incumbent Vel Phillips in the primary and then taking 65.6 percent of the vote that fall.
The other two Republicans to file are Justin Schmidtka, a former Marine from Green Bay, and Dmitry Becker, a member of the National Guard from New Berlin.
