In a significant shift within Wisconsin’s political landscape, State Senator André Jacque, representing the Republican party, has announced he will not stand for reelection, concluding over ten years of legislative service.
On Thursday morning, Jacque issued a statement expressing that his role in representing northeast Wisconsin has been “a blessing beyond anything I could have expected.”
Jacque joins a growing list of Republican state senators stepping down, marking him as the sixth to make such an announcement. Despite this, his district, known for its Republican leanings, is expected to remain under GOP control.
Covering Door and Kewaunee counties, along with parts of Brown, Calumet, Manitowoc, and Outagamie counties, Jacque has been a state Senate member since 2019. Prior to this, he spent eight years in the Assembly.
Expressing a sustained commitment to public service, Jacque stated his decision not to seek another term came “after much discussion with family and friends.”
The recent legislative session saw Jacque as the lead Senate author on over 20 new state laws, contributing to more than 100 laws during his tenure in Madison, as noted in his statement.
Jacque highlighted the role of his constituents in his legislative work, stating, “My constituents have been the driving force behind bringing so many of these ideas to the legislature’s attention, and I am grateful that they have trusted me with their stories, often borne out of great loss and suffering, to enact meaningful, effective, and even life-saving change.”
In 2024, Jacque participated in a three-way Republican primary for Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional District, where he finished third, following former state Sen. Roger Roth and newcomer Tony Wied.
With Trump’s endorsement, Wied eventually secured the general election victory over Democrat Kristin Lyerly.
As for his future plans, Jacque admitted uncertainty about his next steps after his legislative career ends, as per his statement on Thursday.
