New Senate Minority Leader Julian Bradley told WisPolitics the best way for his caucus to move past Tuesday’s losses is to do a better job articulating a message and providing a clear contrast to the “tax and spend majority that was just elected.”

Senate Republicans yesterday elected the New Berlin Republican to lead the caucus after losing three seats in Tuesday’s elections, dropping them to an 18-15 minority. Come January, it will be the first time Senate Republicans started a session in the minority since 2009.

Bradley will be the first Black lawmaker to lead a caucus in either house of the Wisconsin Legislature.

“We’re going to hold the new majority accountable at every step,” Bradley said. “They’ve made a lot of promises that are going to cost a lot of money, and we will make sure that the voters are fully aware of how they govern.”

Bradley wasn’t among the members who had publicly indicated that they were interested in leading the caucus next session. Those who had communicated their intention to run were: Pat Testin, who served as president pro tempore this session and led the Senate GOP campaign effort this fall; Mary Felzkowski, who served as Senate president; and Eric Wimberger, who co-chaired the Joint Audit Committee.

Bradley, a 45-year-old former professional wrestler, said colleagues had encouraged him to run. He didn’t answer directly when asked if he had expressed any interest in the post ahead of the vote.

“Members of my caucus were the ones that made this decision,” Bradley said.

Bradley, who was elected to the Senate in 2020, served on the Joint Finance Committee this session and chaired the Utilities, Technology and Tourism Committee. He chaired the La Crosse County GOP and ran unsuccessfully for secretary of state in 2014 before later moving to southeastern Wisconsin. 

Felzkowski noted to WisPolitics after the closed-door caucus meeting that both she and Testin served in leadership this session.

“Julian is a fresh face, and they want change,” Felzkowski said. “Julian will do an amazing job. I support him 100%.”

Republicans also elected Sen. Romaine Quinn, R-Birchwood, assistant minority leader. Sen. Rachael Cabral-Guevara, R-Fox Crossing, was elected caucus chair, and Sen. Dan Feyen, R-Fond du Lac, was elected caucus vice chair.

Feyen served as assistant majority leader this session, while Cabral-Guevara was caucus vice-chair.