Milwaukee, WI – Today, Democratic candidate for governor Joel Brennan announced endorsements from 20 former Wisconsin legislators. From Milwaukee to the Northwoods, from western Wisconsin to the Fox Valley, leaders who have spent decades serving Wisconsin families are making their choice clear ahead of the August 11 primary.

“It’s time for Democrats to choose. I choose Joel Brennan. Joel is a reasonable, rational leader who relates to northern Wisconsin,” said former Wisconsin State Senator Jim Holeprin. “Joel Brennan will listen and, once having listened, will act to the benefit of all of Wisconsin.  And, he can win.”

“Serving 21 years in the legislature and as the first democrat woman elected Senate Majority Leader, I know a real leader when I see one. I’ve campaigned with Joel at farmers markets and watched him really listen and engage with people — not just shake hands and move on,” said former Wisconsin State Senator and Senate Majority Leader Judy Robson. “He is kind, he is genuine, and my gut tells me Joel Brennan is the real deal. He shares our Wisconsin values, and that is exactly what we need right now.”

“These are men and women who have spent their careers fighting for Wisconsin, in the legislature, in city halls, and in communities across this state,” said Joel Brennan. “Earning the trust of folks who have devoted their lives to Wisconsin is something I do not take for granted. I am ready to show up, roll up my sleeves, and get to work for this state– and I will not let Wisconsin down.”

The full list of endorsers includes:

  • Judy Robson, former State Senator and Senate Majority Leader — Beloit
  • Tom Barrett, former Mayor of Milwaukee — Milwaukee
  • Bob Jauch, former State Senator and State Representative — Poplar
  • Dana Wachs, former State Representative — Eau Claire
  • Jim Holperin, former State Senator — Conover
  • Donna Seidel, former State Representative — Wausau
  • Mike Sheridan, former Assembly Speaker — Janesville
  • John Antaramian, former State Representative and Mayor of Kenosha — Kenosha
  • John Robinson, former State Representative and Mayor of Wausau — Wausau
  • Wally Kunicki, former Assembly Speaker — Milwaukee
  • John Medinger, former State Representative and Mayor of La Crosse — La Crosse
  • Dennis Conta, former State Representative — Milwaukee
  • Chet Gerlach, former State Representative — Elkhart Lake
  • Jim Wahner, former Assembly Majority Leader — Milwaukee
  • Jeff Neubauer, former State Representative — Racine
  • Dan Schooff, former State Representative — Beloit
  • Tony Staskunas, former State Representative — West Allis
  • Kevin Soucie, former State Representative — Milwaukee
  • Shirley Krug, former Assembly Minority Leader — Milwaukee
  • Mark Meyer, former State Representative and State Senator — La Crosse