GOP state Sen. Rob Hutton announced late today that he won’t seek reelection this fall, citing personal and professional obligations that “have made it clear that stepping aside is the right decision at this time.”
Hutton, R-Brookfield, was considered a top Dem target this fall. Dem Kamala Harris won his suburban Milwaukee seat by 6 percentage points in the 2024 presidential election, while Dem U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin took more votes there than her GOP opponent by 5 percentage points.
State Rep. Robyn Vining, D-Wauwatosa, and Sarah Harrison, a community advocate and small business owner who ran for a deep-red Assembly seat in 2024, have registered to run for the 5th SD. The State Senate Democratic Committee has endorsed Vining.
“I look forward to continuing to work hard in this final year and beyond to push for more needed reforms that streamline government, address affordability for families, support law enforcement, and increase access to quality education, healthcare, and economic opportunity for all Wisconsinites,” Hutton said.
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Hutton, 58, spent four terms in the Assembly before losing his seat in 2020. He then won the 5th SD in 2022.
Republican began the session with an 18-15 majority. Four seats are generally considered up for grabs this fall, and Dems would have to win at least three to flip the majority.
