BROWN COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Three Republican State Senators are now in one district under Wisconsin’s new legislative maps.
However, we already know they all won’t be going for the same Green Bay area seat — which now appears to be more favorable for Democrats.
Rob Cowles has been in the State Senate for 36 years and he’s already planning to move from his Allouez home of about 25 years to keep representing his district.
“I’m not happy about it at all, but I’m more interested in public service and getting things done than I am about being attached to my condo here in Allouez.”
Cowles currently serves Senate District 2. Eric Wimberger serves District 30 and Andre Jacque serves District 1. Under the newly passed maps, all three Republicans now live in District 30.
Cowles plans to move west to remain in District 2. Wimberger has said he will run again for District 30. Jacque was unavailable for this story, but has said he’s considering running for the congressional seat Republican Mike Gallagher is leaving.
Jacque’s term in District 1 doesn’t end until 2026, despite him living outside the district under the new maps.
“I would call it a ruthless effort to cancel us and most of us are fighting back,” said Cowles.
FOX 11 asked Cowles why he does not remain in the 30th Senate District.
“Rather than run in a district that is vastly new, I would stay with the bulk of my district,” said Cowles.
When the District 30 seat was last open in 2020, Wimberger defeated Democrat Jonathan Hansen 55% to 45%. However, that is when the district stretched north to include Oconto and Marinette Counties. Under the new maps, the district loses those highly Republican areas and covers more of Brown County. The district leaned 52% Democrat in 2022.
“I think Democrats have a real shot,” said Hansen. “It’s a lot different than the Senate District that I ran in 2020.”
Hansen says he’s considering another run and believes other Democrats are thinking about running too.
The primary for the race is Aug.13 with the general election Nov. 5.
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