GOP state Sen. Jesse James today dropped plans to run against Dem Sen. Jeff Smith for a western Wisconsin seat, dealing another blow to Republicans’ hopes of holding onto their majority this fall.

James is the fifth Senate Republican to decide against running this fall and the third from a swing seat. There are four districts considered in play this fall, and Republicans have to win at least two to maintain their majority, which was 18-15 to start this session.

James was drawn into the 31st under the new maps after being elected to the 23rd in 2022. While he set up a temporary residence in his new district, he held onto his home in the 31st, and James announced in October that he planned to run against Smith, D-Brunswick.

James, who served two terms in the Assembly before joining the Senate, said being in public office “came at a price, a price of being away from my family. For this reason, and for other personal reasons I have decided to retire from the Wisconsin State Senate.”

Since James’ October announcement that he planned to challenge Smith, his daughter was charged with taking $32,000 from the senator’s campaign while she served as the Republican’s treasurer. James notified the Altoona police in November 2024 of the missing money, and Elizabeth Johnson was charged last month with four felonies, including three for filing false campaign finance reports and one for theft of more than $10,000.

GOP Sen. Howard Marklein, of Spring Green, yesterday announced his plans to seek reelection, giving Republicans their only incumbent candidate in the four targeted seats. GOP Sens. Rob Hutton, of Brookfield, and Van Wanggaard, of Racine, previously announced they won’t seek reelection.