MADISON, WI – A Dane county judge has set an evidentiary hearing for 1 PM to hear arguments over Michele Magadance Skinner’s residency and eligibility for the ballot. The case revolves around Skinner voting, claiming a 100% homestead tax credit, and declaring the family’s residency in Georgia.

Read more on the today’s hearing in the suit to remove Georgia resident Michele Magadance Skinner from Wisconsin’s November ballot:

WEAU 13: Eligibility lawsuit against Republican State Senate Candidate heads to court Thursday

  • “A judge will hold an evidentiary hearing at 1 p.m. to review arguments regarding whether Skinner is legally a Wisconsin resident. WEAU 13 News will carry the courtroom proceedings live on WEAU.com and the WEAU mobile app.”
  • “The lawsuit, filed by the State Senate Democratic Committee (SSDC) and local resident Laury Cornell, points to property-tax exemptions claimed by Skinner and her husband, Robert Skinner, on a home they own in Dawson County, Georgia.”
  • “According to tax records, the couple received a senior homestead tax exemption in Georgia for 2025, which reduced their property taxes to zero. However, Georgia law requires applicants to attest that the home is their primary, permanent residence.”
  • “Meanwhile, Wisconsin records show Skinner received a $186.34 Lottery and Gaming Credit for 2025 on her home in Altoona, Wisconsin. Under the laws of both states, primary-residence tax benefits can only be claimed on a single, principal home.”
  • “Thursday’s evidentiary hearing is expected to feature witness testimony and cross-examinations. Legal analysts tell WEAU 13 News that Skinner herself could be called to take the stand to clarify her living arrangements and tax filings.”

Leader Telegram: Judge moves Skinner lawsuit forward; hearing set for Thursday

  • “A lawsuit that seeks to remove Republican candidate Michele Magadance Skinner from the ballot this fall is moving forward, with a hearing slated for 1 p.m. Thursday.”
  • “Skinner, an Eau Claire County Board member from Altoona, is running for State Senate District 31 against incumbent Jeff Smith (D-town of Brunswick.) Skinner ran for state Assembly two years ago against Rep. Jodi Emerson (D-Eau Claire) but lost.”
  • “In the lawsuit, Whitley contends that Skinner has claimed to be a resident in both Georgia and Wisconsin, and is ineligible to hold a Wisconsin state Senate seat. The state Constitution requires someone to have lived in the state for the past year. Whitley contends the house in Dawsonville, Ga., is ‘her principle residence and true home.’”
  • “‘She is ineligible for both offices because she is not a qualified elector due to her not meeting the criteria for residency under the Wisconsin Constitution and state statutes,’ the lawsuit reads.”
  • “Whitley spoke to the Leader-Telegram Wednesday, after the court decided to hear the case and not throw it out. He added that Judge Frost has asked Skinner to testify.”
  • “‘We feel like the judge made the right call and wanted to get to the bottom of this,’ Whitley said. ‘There are legitimate concerns about where she legally lives. I think he agrees there is smoke there.’”
  • “When asked if there would be enough time for the judge to rule before the deadline, Whitley replied, ‘I feel we have a strong case to make that she’s not a Wisconsin resident.’”