Leah Vukmir (Rep.), 5th Senate District
Born Milwaukee, April 26, 1958; 2 children. Graduate Brookfield East H.S. 1976; B.S. in nursing Marquette U. 1980; M.S. in nursing UW-Madison 1983. Registered nurse; nationally certified pediatric nurse practitioner for 20 years; research fellow, Wisconsin Policy Research Institute; Past Pres. and Co-founder of Parents Raising Educational Standards in Schools (PRESS). Member: Republican Party of Milwaukee Co., Republican Party of Waukesha Co., Wauwatosa Republican Club; West Allis Speedskating Club (former ASU Speedskating Referee). Former member: Standards and Assessments Subcommittee of Gov. Thompson’s Task Force on Education and Learning; English/Language Arts Task Force of Gov. Thompson’s Council on Model Academic Standards; American Legislative Exchange Council (first vice chp.). Nationally recognized authority and speaker on education issues and educational standards. Recipient: Center for Education Reform’s Unsung Hero Award 1998; Brookfield East High School Alumni Achievement Award 2002; American Legislative Exchange Council Legislator of the Year 2009; Right Women Iron Lady Award 2014.
Elected to Assembly 2002-08; elected to Senate 2010; reelected 2014. Biennial Senate committee assignments: 2015 — Health and Human Services (chp., also 2013); Judiciary and Public Safety (vice chp.); Education (since 2011, vice chp. 2011); Jt. Com. on Finance. 2013 — Jt. Com. for Review of Admin. Rules (co-chp., also 2011); Judiciary and Labor (vice chp.). 2011 — Health (chp.); Public Health, Human Services, and Revenue. Assembly committee assignments: 2009 — Education (also 2007); Education Reform (chp. 2005, 2003, eff. 8/17/04, vice chp. 2003); Health and Health Care Reform (chp. 2007); Public Health (vice chp. 2007). 2007 — Criminal Justice (also 2003). 2005 — Health (vice chp., mbr. 2003); Children and Families (since 2003); Criminal Justice and Homeland Security; Medicaid Reform. 2003 — Economic Development.
Telephone: Office: (608) 266-2512.
E-mail: Sen.Vukmir@legis.wisconsin.gov
Voting address: Wauwatosa 53226.
Mailing address: Office: Room 131 South, State Capitol, P.O. Box 7882, Madison 53707-7882.
Photos
Content referencing Leah Vukmir
State Rep. Ryan Clancy Kicked Out of ALEC Meeting
Socialist and Democrat peeking as GOP legislators draft model state laws.
Dec 9th, 2024 by Erik Gunn
Women Lead Democratic Gains in Legislature
Wisconsin voters rejected Kamala Harris but back many other women for office.
Nov 11th, 2024 by Steven Walters
Latest Polling Shows Baldwin Leading Hovde
A Quinnipiac poll shows Baldwin leading Hovde by 12 points among registered voters
May 10th, 2024 by Rich Kremer
Hovde Faces Minimal Competition For Republican Senate Nomination
An endorsement by former President Donald Trump could reduce the chances of a primary challenge.
Apr 4th, 2024 by Anya van Wagtendonk and Shawn Johnson
Logsdon Wins Reelection to South Suburban District
County supervisor defeats challenge from Danelle Kenney.
Apr 3rd, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Even Republicans Praise Tammy Baldwin
Democrat’s ability to court rural vote wins grudging respect — and fear.
Feb 8th, 2024 by Bruce Murphy
Tammy Baldwin Could Still Face 2024 Challenger, Party Leaders Say
They point to Ron Johnson's surprise run in 2010. GOP hopes for well-funded challenger.
Nov 20th, 2023 by Robert D'Andrea
Tiffany Far Behind Baldwin In Fundraising
U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin raised $3 million in 2nd quarter of 2023, vs $114,000 for possible challenger, U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany.
Jul 18th, 2023 by Sarah Lehr
Gallagher Won’t Challenge Baldwin for US Senate
A blow to GOP leaders who saw congressman as best shot to defeat Democrat in 2024.
Jun 10th, 2023 by Shawn Johnson
Tammy Baldwin Will Run for Reelection
Incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator makes it official, she will seek third term.
Apr 12th, 2023 by Shawn Johnson
Why Nicholson Quit The Governor’s Race
Did Uihlein pull his funding? And which candidate for governor will benefit?
Jul 12th, 2022 by Bruce Murphy
Who’s the Real Outsider for Governor?
Almost every candidate claims to be. But who really, actually is?
May 23rd, 2022 by Bruce Murphy
Primary Winners Rely on Certain Counties
Of state's 72 counties a small number provide majority of statewide vote.
May 9th, 2022 by Steven Walters
Sexism And The Marquette Poll
Should pollsters test respondents agreement with statements deriding women?
Apr 30th, 2022 by Ruth Conniff
Right-Wing Money Helps Elect Appeals Court Judge
Uihleins and outside groups spend $450,000 to elect Maria Lazar.
Apr 9th, 2022 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
Local Races Attract Out-Of-State Super PACs
They spent $248,000 on 18 candidates in city, county races in state’s spring election.
Mar 29th, 2022 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
MPS Is Still a Capitol Football
Latest proposal to break up school system is latest of such proposals going back decades.
Feb 7th, 2022 by Steven Walters
Can Nicholson Beat Kleefisch?
Democrats are thrilled about what could be a bruising Republican primary for governor.
Feb 2nd, 2022 by Bruce Murphy
Primary For Governor Continues Century-Old Reform
This was the first state to hold primary elections. Kleefisch vs. Nicholson is latest example.
Jan 31st, 2022 by Steven Walters
Nicholson Enters Race For Governor
Will face Kleefisch in Republican primary. He called her ‘dumb as a bag of hammers.’
Jan 28th, 2022 by Shawn Johnson
Legislature Plans Culture War Against Evers
Fall session could include “born alive” abortion bill, forbidding teachers from discussing race and more.
Sep 20th, 2021 by Melanie Conklin
Who’s the Most Right Wing Of All?
Conservative group ranks state’s most conservative members of Congress and Legislature.
Apr 27th, 2021 by Melanie Conklin
Where Are Act 10 Players Today?
Governor and three-fourths of legislators engaged in 2011 battle over law crushing public unions have moved on.
Mar 1st, 2021 by Steven Walters
GOP Donors That Fought Evers’ Health Orders Catch COVID-19
Billionaire couple Dick and Liz Uihlein have tested positive for COVID-19.
Nov 12th, 2020 by Melanie Conklin
Could Biden Pick Baldwin for Vice President?
Tammy Baldwin still on Biden's short list, has survived considerable scrutiny.
Jun 15th, 2020 by Bruce Murphy
GOP Donor Uihlein Calls COVID-19 “Overhyped”
Liz Uihlein, co-founding of Uline, is a major Trump donor spending millions on right-wing causes.
Apr 24th, 2020 by Melanie Conklin
The Return of Texas v. U.S.
Case could kill ACA, leave 18 million without health insurance. Which states would be hurt most?
Jan 9th, 2020 by Bruce Thompson
Which Republican Is More Trumpian?
GOP candidates for state's 7th congressional district spar over who’s more like Trump.
Dec 13th, 2019 by Rob Mentzer
Jim Sullivan Will Run For County Executive
County administrator and former legislator emphasizes need for sound management.
Dec 11th, 2019 by Graham Kilmer
Trump Supporter Picked For Elections Commission
Fitzgerald appoints Bob Spindell, GOP donor and supporter of Voter ID law, to state commission.
Oct 21st, 2019 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
Fitzgerald Will Run for Congress
Senate Majority Leader to run for Sensenbrenner’s 5th Congressional district seat.
Sep 17th, 2019 by Laurel White
Line Forming for Sensenbrenner’s Seat
8 Republicans (Vukmir, Nicholson, Fitzgerald, Farrow etc.) considering a run, along with one Democrat.
Sep 6th, 2019 by Laurel White
50 Years of Jim Sensenbrenner
The numbers, the gruffness, the tales. And who will run for his seat?
Sep 5th, 2019 by Melanie Conklin
Republican Pushes for Medical Marijuana
State Sen. Patrick Testin could be the key man in the success or failure of proposal.
May 14th, 2019 by Bruce Murphy
Hendricks Top State Donor in Federal Races
34th nationally, spending $4.5 million, mostly on Leah Vukmir.
Jan 10th, 2019 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
No “Year of the Woman” in Wisconsin
Why women did poorly in state legislative races in 2018.
Jan 10th, 2019 by Hayley Sperling
Gerrymander is Alive and Well
Data from November election tells a tale of totalitarian tendencies.
Dec 12th, 2018 by Bruce Thompson
5 Reasons for Republican Power Play
One key reason: they see Tony Evers as weak.
Dec 10th, 2018 by Steven Walters
The Republican War Against Democracy
Details in lame duck bills show disdain for democracy by Vos and Fitzgerald.
Dec 5th, 2018 by Bruce Thompson
Write No Obituary for Scott Walker
He accomplished a lot and ran for office 13 times. He’ll probably run again.
Nov 20th, 2018 by John Torinus
Voters Demand Compromise
But are there issues Ever and Republicans could agree on? Yes.
Nov 9th, 2018 by John Torinus
33 Election Winners and Losers
Beyond the vote totals, who were the election’s other big winners and losers?
Nov 7th, 2018 by Bruce Murphy
“We’re In a Battle For America’s Soul”
Joe Biden campaigns for Baldwin, Evers, takes down Trump in Madison
Oct 31st, 2018 by Laurel White
“Most Important Election Of Our Lifetimes”
Obama’s speech here says health care, education, living wage are on the line.
Oct 29th, 2018 by Ximena Conde
Candidates Not Stressing Climate Change
As scientists warn of consequences, what do Walker, Evers, Baldwin, Vukmir say?
Oct 26th, 2018 by Danielle Kaeding
Health Care a Big Issue in Election
Key issue in Wisconsin; nationally 46% of House and Senate ads mention health care.
Oct 25th, 2018 by Shamane Mills
Why Republicans Lie About Health Care
The reality is they can’t create an alternative way to cover pre-existing conditions.
Oct 24th, 2018 by Bruce Thompson
The Strange Suit by Brad Schimel
Why try to end coverage of pre-existing conditions which 67% of Republicans support?
Oct 17th, 2018 by Bruce Thompson
The Fight Against Voter Suppression
Georgia’s targeting of minority voters highlights a national Republican strategy, including in Wisconsin.
Oct 17th, 2018 by Matt Rothschild
Medicare For All Becomes Hot Issue
Many Democrats, including Tammy Baldwin, embrace it, as Republicans condemn it.
Oct 12th, 2018 by Shamane Mills
Pence Touts Walker, Foxconn
Campaigning in Green Bay, Eau Claire, vice-president lauds Foxconn deal.
Oct 11th, 2018 by Patty Murray and Rich Kremer
Baldwin, Walker Lead in Latest MU Poll
Baldwin up 10% over Vukmir, Walker up by just 1% over Evers.
Oct 11th, 2018 by Shawn Johnson
The Incoherence of Scott Walker
His suddenly changing policies make for a confused campaign.
Oct 10th, 2018 by Bruce Thompson
Baldwin, Vukmir Debate Health Care, Abortion
Challenger Vukmir was consistently on attack for one-hour debate.
Oct 9th, 2018 by Shawn Johnson
Liberal Outside Groups Spend Big
More spending for Democrats in five of six key state senate races.
Oct 4th, 2018 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
The Curious Campaign of Leah Vukmir
Her campaign seems to ignore poll data showing most disagree with her stands.
Oct 3rd, 2018 by Bruce Thompson
State Politicians Split on Kavanaugh
Vukmir disagrees with Baldwin, Evers; Walker equivocates on Supreme Court nominee.
Oct 1st, 2018 by Laurel White
Extreme Partisanship Prevents National Solutions
Could political reforms improve the state and national political system?
Sep 30th, 2018 by John Torinus
The Impact of Republican Tax Cuts
It relies on supply side economics. So how well is that working?
Sep 19th, 2018 by Bruce Thompson
Kimberly-Clark Won’t Get Tax Break
Company demands subsidy by September 30. Why that won’t happen.
Sep 17th, 2018 by Steven Walters
Trump Op Ed Author Revealed!
Who’s behind the anonymous NYT column about obstructing Trump’s craziness? Read on.
Sep 13th, 2018 by Rep. Jonathan Brostoff
How Republicans Helped Tammy Baldwin
They picked the wrong candidate. That could hand election to Baldwin.
Sep 12th, 2018 by Bruce Murphy
Health Care At Issue In Senate Campaign
Vukmir would repeal Obamacare, leave many without health coverage.
Sep 11th, 2018 by U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin
Catching Up on Summer’s Political News
Summer’s over. Election looming. What do you need to know?
Sep 4th, 2018 by Steven Walters
Check Candidates’ Stance on Open Records
If they want your vote, shouldn’t they support transparency in government?
Sep 3rd, 2018 by Bill Lueders
The Case for Single Payer Care
65% in this state get insurance at work. Would they support Medicare for All?
Aug 29th, 2018 by Bruce Thompson
Why Walker Must Go Negative
Governor is so unpopular he must bludgeon his opponent or change his identity. Or both.
Aug 28th, 2018 by Bruce Murphy
Walker, Evers Tied in Governor’s Race
And Vukmir just behind Baldwin in race for Senator, as challengers gain momentum.
Aug 23rd, 2018 by Laurel White
Election Had Big Democratic Turnout
100,000 more people voted in Democratic primary despite massive Republican spending on Senate race.
Aug 16th, 2018 by Shawn Johnson
All the Election Data You Want
It was one for the history books, with many surprising results and newcomers.
Aug 15th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
23 Election Winners and Losers
Beyond the vote totals, who were the other winners and losers in yesterday’s election?
Aug 15th, 2018 by Bruce Murphy
Guide to Republican Candidates
Republican U.S. Senate duel leads the way on Tuesday's ballot.
Aug 13th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Candidates for Common Council
Six candidates for 5th District in only primary contest.
Aug 13th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Democratic Candidate Guide
Packed Democratic gubernatorial race and county sheriff contest are top items on Tuesday's ballot.
Aug 13th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Vukmir, Nicholson Debate, Both Back Trump
Neither criticized anything president has done, no major disagreements between candidates.
Jul 27th, 2018 by Shawn Johnson
Ron Johnson To The Rescue?
His attempt to bring peace between Vukmir and Nicholson backers is welcome.
Jul 21st, 2018 by George Mitchell
Sen. Baldwin Demands Packers Coverage
Bill requires cable companies to provide all state customers an option to see Packers games.
Jul 21st, 2018 by Patty Murray
Poll Good News for Evers, Vukmir
Evers lead widens in gubernatorial primary, Vukmir nudges ahead of Nicholson.
Jul 19th, 2018 by Shawn Johnson
Is State Suffering Walker Fatigue?
One clear sign would be if Leah Vukmir loses U.S. Senate primary.
Jun 26th, 2018 by Bruce Murphy
Ryan, Sensenbrenner Endorse Vukmir
Republican establishment rallying around Vukmir over Nicholson for U.S. Senate.
Jun 25th, 2018 by John K. Wilson
The Republican Love of Big Government
Are Republican states the most socialistic?
Jun 6th, 2018 by Bruce Thompson
John McCain and Republican Values
He’s a patriot and man of character. Contrast this to Trump, Vukmir and Nicholson.
May 24th, 2018 by Spencer Black
Walker, Republicans Warn of Blue Wave
Ryan says farewell, Vukmir endorsed at annual state convention of GOP party.
May 14th, 2018 by Laurel White
A New Low for Leah Vukmir?
GOP candidate for Senate smears Sen.Baldwin, branding her a “terrorist.”
May 10th, 2018 by Chris Walker
Veterans Blast Senate Candidate Kevin Nicholson
Republican candidate has questioned “thought process” of veterans who vote Democratic.
May 9th, 2018 by Chuck Quirmbach
Vukmir’s Prison Bill Dies in State Senate
Would have jailed 1,800 more people per year at annual cost of $57 million.
Mar 23rd, 2018 by Bruce Murphy
I Choose Leah
First Lady Tonette Walker endorses Leah Vukmir for U.S. Senator
Mar 19th, 2018 by First Lady Tonette Walker
Prison Bill’s True Cost Much Higher
Vukmir proposal to toughen revocation rules could cost $201 million per year.
Mar 6th, 2018 by Gretchen Schuldt
New GOP Senators Have Clout
They may decide if Walker gets last minute laws he’s pushing for his reelection campaign.
Mar 5th, 2018 by Steven Walters
Let’s Get Real About Immigration
We need immigrant workers. Will the two parties find a middle ground?
Jan 28th, 2018 by John Torinus
Will Federal Tax Plan Succeed?
Past economic data suggests it won’t. And voters think it will fail.
Jan 10th, 2018 by Bruce Thompson
Top 10 State News Stories of 2017
Another historic year in Wisconsin politics created some big headlines.
Jan 2nd, 2018 by Steven Walters
One Wisconsin Now’s 2018 Predictions
Some predictions are serious, but all are certainly fearless
Dec 27th, 2017 by Scot Ross
Jim Sullivan Will Head County Parks
Former state senator is new parks director, will be assisted by Jim Tarantino.
Dec 20th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
17 Biggest Mistakes by Brad Schimel
Media feasting on problems in John Doe report. Here’s a scorecard of biggest goofs.
Dec 19th, 2017 by Bruce Murphy
The Many Errors of Brad Schimel
His sloppy report on John Doe leaks won’t help Attorney General’s reputation.
Dec 13th, 2017 by Bruce Thompson
Why John Doe Probe Saved Emails
And why Schimel report complaining about investigators could be wrong.
Dec 8th, 2017 by Gretchen Schuldt
Will Roy Moore Embarrass Kevin Nicholson?
The Republican Senate candidate depends on Moore contributor Richard Uihlein.
Dec 1st, 2017 by Bruce Murphy
Is Waukesha County Becoming Less Red?
Perhaps not, but legislative districts straddling its border are changing.
Nov 22nd, 2017 by Bruce Thompson
Walker, Vukmir Court the Israel Lobby
A great way to get donations from billionaires like Sheldon Adelson.
Nov 16th, 2017 by Bruce Murphy
