Contact: Rep. Jessie Rodriguez, (608) 237-9121
OAK CREEK, Wis. – Representative Jessie Rodriguez (R-Oak Creek) announced her retirement from the Wisconsin Assembly after years of dedicated service. She made the following statement:
“When I decided to run for office 13 years ago, it was one of the most difficult decisions I had ever made. Choosing to run was not something I took lightly. My son was only three years old, and my biggest concern then was whether I could give enough time to him, to my family, and to the community I loved and hoped to represent.
“Throughout my time in office, I have tried to keep family first. But the truth is, it is difficult to do this job well without it affecting the people who care about you most. My family has given me patience, encouragement, and support through long days, busy weeks, and many moments when this work required more of me than they deserved to lose.
“After a great deal of reflection and many conversations with my family, I have decided that I will not seek reelection this fall. Serving the people of the 21st Assembly District has been one of the greatest honors of my life, which makes this decision deeply difficult. But there are seasons when the right decision is also the hard decision, and for me, this is one of those seasons.
“I have had the privilege of meeting so many good people, hearing their stories, and working through their concerns – whether through legislation, constituent services, or simply taking the time to listen. That has been, by far, the most gratifying part of this job, and it is the legacy I have always hoped to leave behind.
“I have also believed that this work should be done with respect, reasonableness, and a sincere willingness to listen. We do not have to agree on every issue to treat one another with dignity and find common ground. I have tried to serve in that spirit, and I hope my time in office has reflected that commitment.
“To the people of the 21st Assembly District: thank you for your trust. Thank you for allowing me to represent you, to learn from you, to be challenged by you, and to be your voice in the legislature. That responsibility has never been lost on me, and it is something I will always carry with gratitude.
“I also want to thank the volunteers, campaign staff, and legislative staff who have helped me throughout the years. I am especially grateful to my current staff, Kaitlyn and Mathew, whose hard work, dedication, and support have helped me serve this district well. They are the best staffers in the building, and I could not have done this work effectively without them.
“Public service has changed me for the better. It has strengthened me, humbled me, and deepened my love for the communities I have had the honor to serve. Now, in this next season, I look forward to giving more of myself to the people who have given so much of themselves to me – my family.”
