Brad Pfaff

2024 Roundup- Gov. Evers Completes Annual 72-County Tour of Wisconsin

Pro-conservation candidates win in the Wisconsin State Senate and Assembly

Congressman Derrick Van Orden Reelected in Tight Race

Republican beat Democratic challenger Rebecca Cooke by less than 3%.

Pfaff Declares Victory in 32nd Senate District

Van Orden’s Outspoken Nature Key Issue in Competitive Congressional Race

Republican Derrick Van Orden faces challenge from Democrat Rebecca Cooke in western Wisconsin.

Gov. Evers Announces State Building Commission Approves 50 Community Projects Across Wisconsin Supported by $50 Million State Budget Investment

Will Western Wisconsin Shock the Nation?

Republican-held congressional district could elect Democratic challenger.

Democrats Label Effort to Unseat Van Orden A ‘Red to Blue’ Priority

Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee promises resources, support to challenger Rebecca Cooke.

Rebecca Cooke Wins Primary to Take on GOP Congressman Derrick Van Orden

Defeats Rep. Katrina Shankland in Democratic primary for western Wisconsin district.

3 Democrats Battling In 3rd Congressional District Primary

Winner to face Republican US Rep. Derrick Van Orden in western Wisconsin district.

Rep. Shankland Sells Her Record in 3rd Congressional District Race

Democratic legislator seeks to beat Republican U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden.

Rebecca Cooke Believes She Can Turn 3rd Congressional District Blue

Pitting working class, dairy farm background against Republican Rep. Derrick Van Orden.

Controversial Power Line Bill Dies In Legislature

Opponents of 'Right of First Refusal' bill say it would have hiked utility rates.

Senate Fires 8 Evers Appointees, Approves 3 Constitutional Amendments

Senate ends session for year with governor 'apoplectic' over 'petty partisan politics.'

PFAS Ban Wouldn’t Start Until 2028 Under New Bill

New legislation by western Wisconsin Democrats would ban products with added PFAS, offer alternative approach to spending state PFAS trust fund

Republican Proposal Moves Forward PFAS Standards

But Democrats, DNR sought different path for forever-chemical regulation.

GOP Senators Pass Parental Bill of Rights

And reject free school meals. Bill passed earlier by Senate next goes to governor.

New PFAS legislation would allow critical PFAS groundwater standards to progress

Senate Votes to Fire Evers Appointee from Public Service Commission

Tyler Huebner rejected. Senate also passes electric vehicle, nudity ban and tax cut bills.

GOP Committee Votes to Toss Utility Commissioner Tyler Huebner

RENEW Wisconsin leader on PSC board since 2020, but never confirmed by Legislature.

Gov. Evers Announces State Building Commission Approves Approximately $589 Million in Projects Across Wisconsin

Republican Bullying Isn’t Working

Tactic is backfiring as Democrats and public officials resist.

Republicans Reject 7 Evers Appointees

Including elections commissioner and 4 DNR board members. 'This is insanity,' says Evers, then immediately names replacements.

GOP Senators Express Skepticism of Governor’s Childcare, Workforce Bill

Issue coming to head with worker shortage, expiration of childcare subsidy program.

Senate Targets 6 Evers Appointees

Republicans leave elections commission unbalanced and board overseeing DNR unable to act.

Rep. Shankland Joins Race Against GOP Congressman Derrick Van Orden

Democratic Assembly Member calls herself bipartisan and 'battle-tested.'

Republicans Could Force Protasiewicz Off Redistricting Case

Assembly impeachment would force her to step down while awaiting Senate trial.

Democrat Will Challenge Rep. Van Orden

Eau Claire business owner Rebecca Cooke to run for 3rd District Congressional District that flipped Republican in 2022.

Legislature Passes Local Revenue, Schools Bills

Deal heads to Gov. Evers’ desk. Despite bipartisan support, some are calling for him to veto proposals.

Wisconsin Legislature Increases Reckless Driving Penalties

Senate vote sends proposal to governor's desk. Democrats blast GOP inaction.

Bipartisan Support For Extending Medicaid Benefits For Postpartum Mothers

Approximately 50 post-partum deaths annually that the Wisconsin health department believes are preventable.

Republicans Holding Confirmation Hearings For Gov. Evers’ New Appointees

Agriculture, DNR secretaries get hearings, a marked change from Evers' last term.

How Much Clout Does Your U.S. Rep Have?

Which committee does each one sit on and why it matters to Wisconsin.

Parties Argue Over April Ballot Questions

Evers calls referendum on welfare 'ridiculous.' but huge majority of legislators disagree.

Republicans Advance Cash Bail and Welfare Referendum Questions

Both likely to be on April ballot, could influence turnout for state Supreme Court election.

DNR Secretary-Designee Payne Makes Leadership Team Appointments

After 4 Years, 180 Appointees by Gov. Evers Haven’t Been Confirmed

Republican Senate leaves them in limbo. 'Tell me what I need to do,' Ever says.

Did Democrats Let Mandela Barnes Lose?

State Democratic chair says big donors wrongly concluded Barnes was far behind and deserted him.

Senator Agard Appoints Senator Brad Pfaff to WEDC Board

Jodi for State Senate Announces First Round of Endorsements for Senate District 8

Longtime area resident also announces campaign manager

What Will Happen to Evers’ Appointees?

After four years, a long list of his appointees to head departments, serve on state boards still haven't been approved by GOP Senate.

5 Lessons From Mid-Term Election

Milwaukee's under-performance is a problem. And lack of national Democratic funding doomed Pfaff.

Van Orden Defeats Pfaff in Western Wisconsin Congressional District

AP calls race, with Republican at 52% of vote and 95% of ballots counted.

Republican Candidate Says “Leftists” Cannot Be Christians

Derrick Van Orden running for open congressional seat against Democratic State Sen. Brad Pfaff.

Is Trump a Threat to Republican Candidates?

A Trump endorsement may mean something different in a general election than a primary election.

RPW Files Campaign Finance Violation Complaint Against Brad Pfaff and Mandela Barnes

Attorneys for the Republican Party of Wisconsin have filed ethics complaints with the Wisconsin Ethics Commission

Brad Pfaff Wins 3rd Congressional District Primary

Pfaff faces Republican Derrick Van Orden in race for seat currently held by Democrat Ron Kind.

How Governor’s Power Was Weakened

Recent high court decision latest of several rulings reducing governor's power.

Grothman, Gallagher Face No Opponents

Only Wisconsin congressional districts without a Democrat on the ballot.

Bill to improve Wisconsin’s investor tax credit law signed by Gov. Evers following legislative action

For Our Future Spends Big

Nearly $2.1 million by one of largest outside spenders in state supported Democratic candidates.

Historic Turnover Will Change Legislature

Retirements, redistricting and members pursuing higher office could transform Legislature.

Peshtigo Residents Seek Superfund Designation for PFAS Pollution

Residents send petition to EPA after two of six city wells shut down for high PFAS levels.

Liberal Group One Of Top Outside Spenders

A Better Wisconsin Together, backed by unions, spent $5.2 million on 2020-2021 races.

Rep. Robyn Vining and Wisconsin Democrats Go Big for Small Business

State Senate Won’t Confirm Evers’ Appointees

Republican senate leader calls appointees "highly partisan."

Former CIA Officer Enters 3rd Congressional District Primary

Deb McGrath, daughter of former Rep. Al Baldus, running as a Democrat.

Van Orden Gets $12,000 Donation From Casino Magnate Accused of Sex Harassment

The Republican candidate for Congress has himself been accused of sexual harassment.

Lt. Gov. Barnes Leads Fundraising in Senate Democratic Primary

Barnes raised more than $1 million since launching his campaign this summer.

WisGOP Statement on Ron Kind’s Endorsement of Brad Pfaff

Small Business Owner Joins Race to Replace Rep. Ron Kind

Rebecca Cooke, of Eau Claire, running for 3rd congressional seat. Kind not seeking re-election.

State Sen. Brad Pfaff Running For 3rd Congressional District

Current Congressman Ron Kind announced he would not seek re-election.

Evers Unveils His Own Bill to Repeal the Personal Property Tax

Governor's legislation includes funding to replace money local government's lose after tax repeal.

Baldwin, Colleagues Visit Fort McCoy

Baldwin toured facilities and was briefed on Afghan evacuee operations

Barrett, Kind Had 59 Years Experience

Exit of mayor and congressman makes room for new generation of leaders.

Will Kaul Remove Natural Resources Board Chair?

Environmental groups push him to act. AG says law will guide his decision.

Tax Cut Divides Democrats

Evers and some Democratic legislators supported it. GOP hopes to gain new seats from swing-district opponents.

State Legislature Passes Biennial Budget

Lawmakers cut billions from the Governor's budget.

Republicans Scheme to Continue Scott Walker Era

Thwarting voters’ choice by refusing to approve Evers appointees to boards, commissions.

Uihleins, Walton Shower GOP Legislators With Cash

Out-of-state donors give $1.9 million to state legislators, 79% of it to Republicans.

Gov. Evers, State Legislators Announce Legislation to Address Statewide PFAS Contamination

Democrats reintroduce the CLEAR Act to enact and enforce statewide PFAS standards, fund PFAS testing, monitoring, and mitigation efforts

Republicans Look Silly on Andrea Palm

Former state health secretary they hated was success with state vaccine plan, and got picked as Biden's deputy health secretary.

As State Looks to Bounce Back from Pandemic, Gov. Evers Urges Bipartisan Support for $2.38 Billion in Capital Budget Investments to Provide Estimated 29,000 Family-Supporting Jobs, $4.3 Billion in Economic Impact 

Governor's 2021-23 capital budget to be taken up by State Building Commission this week includes major projects in both Republican and Democratic districts

34 State Legislators Endorse Jill Underly for State Superintendent

State Clears Unemployment Claims Backlog

Evers promotes Amy Pechacek to secretary designee of Department of Workforce Development.

Outside Groups Spent $10 Million on Legislative Races

Special interest groups backing Democrats spent more of it, about $5.5 million.

Purple Wisconsin Still Has Dark Red Legislature

Republican legislators continue to win big with minority of state's vote.

Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin Statement on Election Results

No Veto-Proof Majority for Republican Legislators

They flipped two of three seats needed to get two-thirds majority in Senate.

Liberal Groups Far Outspend Republicans

$5.3 million spent on legislative races by Democratic advocacy groups, $2.9 million by GOP groups.

$1 Million Legislative Races Now Common

For a job paying $52,000. This year the Democrats are out-spending Republicans.

Is Trump a Problem for Down Ballot Republicans?

If he is, Wisconsin's gerrymandered districts could soften the blow.

Outside Liberal Groups Lead in Legislative Races

Groups backing Democrats have spent $2.9 million versus $1.8 million for Republicans.

$2.3 Million Outside Spending on Legislative Races

On 96 of 115 legislative races in state, with slightly more for Republicans.

Democratic Legislative Committees Spend Big

Raising $1.9 million more than Republicans yet with $2.3 million less left in the bank.

Can Wisconsin Create Fair District Maps?

Former Republican State Sen. Dan Kapanke admits gerrymander, calls for fair maps.

Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin Celebrates Endorsed Candidates Advancing to General Election

Primary Results Set Stage for November

Newcomers in many races. Kelda Roys will replace Fred Risser, nation's longest serving legislator.

Legislative Donors Give Record Amount in 2020

$7.1 million showered on legislative races in first half of 2020, shattering 2016 record of $5.1 million.

Sen. Tammy Baldwin Endorses Slate of Legislative Candidates

Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin Announces Second Round of Endorsements

Wisconsin Conservation Voters endorses its second wave of candidates

Senator Jennifer Schilling Calls It Quits

Resigning Friday to take an unidentified job that would create a conflict of interest.

Can Democrats Retake State Senate?

An uphill fight. Retirements by seven incumbents make races hard to call.

The Return of Brad Pfaff

Former state agriculture secretary running for state senate, the very body that ousted him.

Clock Ticking for Legislature

Short session, just two months planned for 2020. Can two parties agree on any legislation?

Gov. Evers Reviews His First Year

Not satisfied, but cites progress on schools, health care, “Scott holes”.

Top 10 Political Stories of 2019

Lots of drama in last year of the decade. Which were the biggest stories?

Another Evers Cabinet Pick Under Fire

Republicans won’t approve Dawn Crim, Secretary of the Department of Safety and Professional Services.

Senate Democrats Offer 2020 Agenda

Shilling pushes homeless funding and closing dark store tax loophole.

All They Want for Christmas

The Christmas wish lists of Gov. Evers, Mayor Barrett and other politicians.

Farm Pollution Rules May Get Killed

Big business lobby WMC and Big Agriculture donors oppose the rules.

Meet Evers’ New Ag Advisor, Brad Pfaff

Governor’s fired Agriculture Secretary now the Department of Administration’s director of business and rural development.

The Path to Brad Pfaff’s Firing

Why GOP legislators shot down Agriculture Secretary. And why Evers was incensed.

Gov. Evers Appoints Randy Romanski as Interim DATCP Secretary

Romanski has held leadership roles across various Wisconsin state agencies, and previously served as DATCP deputy secretary and secretary under former Gov. Jim Doyle.

Senate Votes to Kill Governor Veto Power

Approves putting constitutional amendment on ballot to restrict partial veto power.

Senate Fires State Agriculture Secretary

Every Republican votes not to approve Evers appointee Brad Pfaff.

In Rejecting Pfaff the Message was clear, Dissent Won’t be Allowed in Wisconsin

"Brad Pfaff was raised on a farm here in Wisconsin, is eminently qualified for this job, and deserved better than this from legislative Republicans."

Fitzgerald, Senate Republicans Ignore Farmers, Rural Communities, Leave Agriculture Agency Without Dept. Head in the Midst of Dairy, Trade Crises

Republicans reject gubernatorial cabinet nominee for the first time in modern state history

Republican Obstruction Escalates Insecurity for Family Farms

Amid Dairy Crisis, Republicans Reject Ag Secretary Appointment

Farm Groups Support Agriculture Secretary

Republicans threaten to force firing of Evers’ secretary Brad Pfaff; farm groups object.

Roundup: Agriculture Stakeholders Press Fitzgerald, Senate Republicans to Confirm DATCP Sec. Brad Pfaff

In calls for stability, certainty in the midst of dairy and trade crises, stakeholders urge confirmation of agriculture secretary

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Calls for Wisconsin State Legislature to Confirm Brad Pfaff as State Agriculture Secretary

"State legislative Republicans should not let politics get in the way of helping our farmers when they are dealing with many difficult challenges."

Fitzgerald, Senate Republicans Signal Plans to Fire Gov. Evers’ Agriculture Secretary in Midst of Dairy Crisis

Senate Republicans poised to reject gubernatorial cabinet nominee for first time in modern Wisconsin history

Republican Pettiness Threatens Family Farmers

"At a time when Wisconsin is losing dairy farms daily and suicide rates for farmers are rising, it is unacceptable and callous for Republicans to obstruct the appointment of Secretary Pfaff."

Gov. Evers Signs Executive Order #52 Relating to Climate Change in Wisconsin

"For too long we've been ignoring science, and frankly, we can't afford to do it any longer."

Rep. Shankland: Governor Evers Leads on Preventing Nitrate Contamination

"These new efforts by the Governor, DNR, and DATCP tackle the root of our pollution runoff problems and will help to prevent future nitrate contamination."

Gov. Evers Directs Agencies to Address Nitrate Contamination in Ground and Surface Water

"I am committed to protecting Wisconsin’s waters and ensuring every Wisconsinite has access to clean drinking water."

GOP Legislators Delay Funds for Homeless, Farmers

Evers, Democrats push for state spending approved in budget, Republicans want review by Senate.

Governor-elect Evers Announces Additional Cabinet Appointments

"As Governor, my focus will always be the people of our state, and a key part of that is bringing together a cabinet that shares my goal of solving problems rather than picking political fights."