THORP, Wis. (WRN) — Republicans face another setback in their fight to keep control of the Wisconsin State Senate.
Citing time away from family and other personal reasons, Senator Jesse James has dropped plans to run this fall against Democratic Senator Jeff Smith in western Wisconsin.
James was drawn into the 31st state Senate district under new maps after being elected to the 23rd District in 2022. James set up a temporary residence in his new district and announced in October that he planned to run against Smith.
He’s now the fifth Senate Republican to leave, and the third from a competitive district. Michele Magadance Skinner, a Republican on the Eau Claire County Board, has already announced she’ll run in James’ place.
Republicans hold an 18‑to‑15 Senate edge but need to win at least two of four swing seats to keep control.