Wisconsin Senate Leader LeMahieu Won't Seek Reelection

Wisconsin Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu announced Thursday that he will not seek reelection this fall, becoming the second top Republican leader in the state Legislature to retire amid newly redrawn district maps that have altered the political landscape.

LeMahieu, a Republican from Oostburg who has served in the Senate since 2015 and led the chamber since 2020, made the announcement in a statement, saying, "The time has come for a new chapter in my life." He plans to spend more time with his wife at their new home near Madison and support conservative reforms from outside office. His decision follows a similar announcement last month by Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, the longest-serving speaker in state history, who also cited a desire for new pursuits.

The retirements come as Wisconsin prepares for elections under legislative maps adopted in 2024, which were drawn after the state Supreme Court invalidated Republican-favored boundaries in late 2023. The court, with a newly established liberal majority following the 2023 election of Justice Janet Protasiewicz, ruled 4-3 that the prior maps violated state constitutional standards against gerrymandering. Democratic Gov. Tony...