JANESVILLE – Today, former State Representative Deb Kolste (D-Janesville) announced her endorsement of Rep. Mark Spreitzer (D-Beloit) for State Senate:
“As a healthcare professional, a small business owner, and as the former Representative for Janesville in the State Assembly, I am wholeheartedly endorsing Mark Spreitzer for State Senate,” Kolste said. “Mark is an incredibly thoughtful legislator and he always brings one hundred percent. I have always admired his optimism, his energy, and his passion for doing what is best for his constituents. I look forward to seeing that energy put to work when he is our next State Senator.”
“When Mark and I served together, we worked to improve healthcare access, to protect the future of local family farms, and to ensure that working families had what they needed to succeed. Mark never shied away from tackling difficult issues, because he knew that’s what it takes to be a good representative for your district. I am so excited to support him for the State Senate.”
Former State Representative Deb Kolste served the 44th Assembly District from 2013 to 2021. Prior to serving in the Assembly, Kolste had a career as a medical technologist and operated a medical clinic with her late husband, Dr. Rex Kolste. Kolste also served three terms on the Janesville School Board, where she served as School Board President in 2007 and 2008. In the State Assembly, she was the top Democrat on the Health Committee and led the fight to make prescription drugs more affordable.
“Having Deb’s support means so much to me,” said Spreitzer. “Deb became a dear friend when we served together in the Assembly, and she was a voice of conscience for all of us. When Deb spoke, everyone listened, regardless of party. It was a privilege to serve with her, and I look forward to working with her again as her State Senator.”
Spreitzer is running to succeed Janis Ringhand as a Democrat in the 15th State Senate District. He was elected to the State Assembly in 2014. Since 2016, he has served in legislative leadership as the Democratic Caucus Chair. Spreitzer has been a legislative leader on issues such as conservation, local government, family farms, middle-class economic security, healthcare access, criminal justice reform, LGBTQ equality, and defending our democracy. The 15th State Senate district includes parts of Dane, Green, Jefferson, Rock, and Walworth counties
Learn more about Rep. Spreitzer’s campaign for State Senate at www.MarkForWI.com.
