Madison – After more than three decades of dedicated public service, State Representative Dean R. Kaufert [R – Neenah] has announced he will not seek reelection to the Wisconsin State Assembly.
“After a great deal of thought and reflection, there comes a time when you simply know it is time,” Kaufert said. “Family and health concerns have led me to this decision, but it is not one I make lightly. Representing the Fox Valley has been an honor and privilege.”
Kaufert’s career in public service spans over 38 years, including 4 years as an Alderman for the City of Neenah (1985–1991), 24 years as State Representative for the 55th District (1991–2014), 8 years as Mayor of the City of Neenah (2014–2022), and most recently 2 years as State Representative for the 53rd Assembly District (2024–2026).
“I have enjoyed over 38 years of my life representing this area trying to do what is right for the citizens—no matter what party affiliation they may be,” Kaufert said. “Making a difference and standing up for those who need a voice—the little guy—has been at the heart of everything I have done.”
A lifelong resident of the Neenah-Menasha area, Kaufert reflected on his deep roots in the community.
“I grew up in Menasha and have lived in Neenah my entire life. This area is not just where I serve—it is home. It is truly one of the best places to live, work, play, and raise a family.”
While stepping away from elected office, Kaufert emphasized both pride in the work he accomplished and concern about the changing political climate.
“This past session I was proud to be able to help pass the first bipartisan state budget in many years in Wisconsin. The budget cut state tax on retirement income for seniors 67 years and older, eliminated sales tax on electricity and natural gas bills for families, and made large investments in child care and public education.”
“In addition, I authored legislation for Alzheimer’s caregiver support to help families caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia and coauthored helped pass two important women’s health bills. When Gail’s Law and a bill to expand postpartum care for new moms were in danger of not passing, I helped lead the way to convince the legislature to take these bills up and pass them.”
“In many ways, the political environment has improved—especially in the State Assembly, where we were able to work collaboratively in a bipartisan manner to pass meaningful legislation this past session, put reasonable time limits for debate in place, and keep the rhetoric respectful and professional during sessions,” Kaufert said.
“However, campaigns have become increasingly more negative, with vicious personal attacks and an overwhelming influx of out-of-state special interest money. The ‘win-at-all-costs’ mentality—where opponents are too often demonized and unfairly personally attacked—has taken a real toll on me and my family. Both parties have some blame for this, however spending $3.4 million for an Assembly seat that pays $60K like the Democrat Party did in my last election is ridiculous.”
“Money flows in from all 50 states of the United States to attack candidates, bring extremely false negative mailers to mailboxes, and personally attack opponents. It brings tremendous stress and anxiety to candidates, their businesses and their families. This extreme ‘win-at-all-costs’ and personal destruction of candidates strategy is destructive to our representative form of government and needs to be reined in somehow.”
“Though I am retiring from public service, I will always care deeply about our community and state. It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the people of the 53rd and 55th Assembly Districts and the citizens of Neenah as Mayor.”
“I would like to thank my entire family for all their help and support over the years that has allowed me to do this job, especially my wife Renee, who was always there for me and allowed me to focus on the job of helping others.”
“It’s time to enjoy life, oversee our business and spend time with grandchildren. So, I leave public service quoting Patrick Swayze: I’VE HAD THE TIME OF MY LIFE!!! Thank you and God Bless the Great State of Wisconsin and the United States of America.”
