Republican Senator Jesse James Declines to Run, Marking 5th Major Senate Retirement
MADISON, WI – Today, State Senator Jessie James, who had announced his intention to challenge Democratic incumbent Jeff Smith in Wisconsin’s 31st district, announced that he will not be seeking re-election. James is the 5th Senate Republican to call it quits, nearly half of the 12 who were initially up for reelection this fall. As concerns continue to mount within the Wisconsin Republican Party, Democrats, bolstered by Justice-elect Chris Taylor’s landslide victory, are gaining momentum and remain confident that a trifecta is within reach.
SSDC Communications Director Will Karcz on Senator James announcing his retirement:
“Today, Senator Jesse James added his name to an esteemed list: Republicans who have quit rather than lose at the ballot box. Senate Republicans know they will be in the minority and are bowing out rather than facing accountability from voters. Justice-elect Taylor’s landslide victory and the long list of Republican retirements combine for what is, candidly, the worst imaginable start to the 2026 cycle for Wisconsin Senate Republicans.”
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
Mentioned in This Press Release
Recent Press Releases by Wisconsin State Senate Democratic Committee
