Legal Battle Over Residency Challenges Republican Candidate in Wisconsin Senate Race
In a pivotal contest for control of the Wisconsin state Senate, Democrats have initiated a lawsuit aiming to disqualify a Republican candidate over residency issues. At the heart of the controversy is Michele Magadance Skinner, a candidate for Wisconsin’s 31st Senate district, whose eligibility is being questioned based on her alleged residency in Georgia.
The lawsuit, filed by the State Senate Democratic Committee, asserts that Skinner, currently serving on the Eau Claire County Board of Supervisors, cannot hold office in Wisconsin due to her primary residence being split between Wisconsin and Georgia. According to the suit, both locations were listed as primary residences in 2025, contradicting the Wisconsin Constitution, which mandates a one-year residency in the state for legislative candidates.
Democrats are seeking a court order to prevent the Wisconsin Elections Commission (WEC) from certifying Skinner for the upcoming November 2026 ballot. “Because Skinner is not a Wisconsin resident and is therefore constitutionally ineligible for office, Plaintiffs seek an order directing WEC not to certify Skinner as a candidate for placement on the November 2026 general election ballot,” the lawsuit argues.
In response, Skinner issued a statement defending her candidacy, emphasizing her deep-rooted ties to Eau Claire, Wisconsin. “My husband is a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel and disabled combat veteran, he is a Georgia resident and maintains a home there. We are a blended family, and like many married couples today, our circumstances don’t fit neatly into one little box,” she explained, addressing the residency issues surrounding her marriage.
Beyond residency disputes, Skinner and her husband face allegations of improperly claiming tax benefits in both states. The lawsuit states that Skinner received a Wisconsin Lottery tax credit in 2025, while her husband claimed a Georgia homestead property exemption the same year, a combination not permissible under Georgia law for married couples.
The lawsuit follows the dismissal of a previous complaint against Skinner by the Wisconsin Elections Commission. As the August 25 deadline for candidate certification approaches, Democrats are pressing for a swift judicial decision to exclude Skinner from the ballot.
Western Wisconsin’s 31st Senate District is recognized as a critical swing seat this November. Initially, State Sen. Jesse James, R-Thorp, was set to run but announced his retirement following personal and campaign finance issues, clearing the path for Skinner’s candidacy. Skinner, who announced her campaign in June, previously lost a state Assembly race by a narrow margin.
