Republicans swept Northwoods seats in the Wisconsin State Assembly in Tuesday’s voting, helping the party strengthen its legislative advantage in Madison.
Three local Republican incumbents won reelection by a large margin. Rhinelander’s Rob Swearingen was reelected to a sixth term in the Assembly, defeating challenger Eileen Daniel by 22 points in the 34th Assembly District. In the 35th Assembly District, Tomahawk’s Calvin Callahan beat back a contest from independent Todd Frederick. Jeff Mursau of Crivitz bested Ben Murray to secure his tenth term in the State Assembly.
Perhaps of most importance to Republicans, Chanz Green scored a close win over John Adams in the 74th Assembly District, which borders Lake Superior. The district had been represented by Democrat Beth Meyers, so Green’s victory was a pickup for Republicans.
Republicans needed to flip five seats in the Assembly and just one in the Senate to gain a two-thirds majority in each chamber.
But unofficial returns showed Republicans trailing in the handful of key races they needed. Staving off the supermajorities was essential for Democrats.