MADISON, Wis. — In response to today’s announcement from Sen. Jesse James that he would not run again, dealing a huge blow to the Republicans’ hopes of keeping a Senate majority and leaving them without a candidate in their top pickup opportunity, WisDems Chair Devin Remiker released the following statement:

“Republicans know that they’re in big trouble without rigged maps designed to protect them from the outrage voters have about rising prices and the disastrous Trump administration. With last week’s blowout victory, the likes of which this state has not seen for over a decade, we will double down to ensure we can deliver real change for working people in November. For the Republicans who are staring down the most competitive elections of their lifetimes, with their leaders and colleagues continuing to flee the sinking MAGA ship, I would urge you to join them in retirement before the wave hits this November.”

Assembly Reps. Scott Allen, Jerry O’Connor and Rob Brooks also announced their retirements since the Supreme Court election.

Additional background

  • Chris Taylor won the 31st district by 30% (65%-35%)
  • 71 of 72 counties moved away from the GOP in the SCOWIS election
    • 19 of these flipped from red to blue, with 18 of them being rural counties
    • 29 counties that voted for Trump in 2024 voted for Chris Taylor.
  • Chris Taylor won 70 of 99 Assembly Districts, a supermajority.
  • The retirements of SD-5 Sen. Rob Hutton and SD-21 Rep. Van Waangaard, two of the biggest opportunities for Democratic pick-ups
    • SCOWIS results:
      • SD-5: 58.9% – 41.1% (Taylor +17.8%)
      • SD-21: 57.6% – 42.4% (Taylor +15.2%)