Wisconsin Democrats elect Hesselbein Senate majority leader, Neubauer Assembly speaker

MADISON, Wis. (Gray) - Democrats elected their new leaders for the majority caucuses in the Wisconsin state Senate and Assembly on Tuesday at the state Capitol.

State Sen. Dianne Hesselbein of Middleton will be the new Senate majority leader. State Rep. Greta Neubauer of Racine will be the new Assembly Speaker. It is the first time two women have led the majority at the same time.

Hesselbein said Wisconsin Republicans “have only pursued tax cuts for the ultra wealthy rather than delivering great public services throughout our state” for the past 16 years.

“That long nightmare is over,” Hesselbein said. “Wisconsin Senate Democrats are committed to building a future where an honest day’s work nets an honest day’s pay.”

Hesselbein said she will have an open-door policy to work with Republicans. She said she assured newly elected Republican Senate Minority Leader Julian Bradley that she will hear Republican bills.

Hesselbein said her caucus wants to tackle school funding, artificial intelligence regulation and affordability.

“We’re going to be working on this. Stay tuned. We’re hoping to come together,” Hesselbein said.

Bradley said he hopes to work with Democrats on a tax cut.

“I trust that the new leadership that’s been elected today won’t be punitive or vindictive,” Bradley said. “We’re going to come here to Madison and we’re going to fight tooth and nail every day. When there’s areas to work together, like on tax cuts and affordability, putting money back in people’s pockets, happy to have those conversations.”

Democrats named affordability as their top priority. When asked about specific plans or legislation the Democratic trifecta hopes to achieve in its first 100 days, few specifics were provided Tuesday.

Governor-elect David Crowley did not answer questions about his top priority for the first 100 days or what legislative Democrats had to say. When asked how he was feeling, Crowley gave a thumbs up.

Neubauer said she will work with her caucus to determine which bills to prioritize first in 2027.

“We are not going to be patient,” Neubauer said. “We are going to work hard and work quickly and pass as much good policy as we can for the people of Wisconsin.”

Neubauer cited “things like free school meals for all of our kids that would save families money on groceries, of course addressing the cost of housing by investing in our public schools and lowering property taxes, and regulating prescription drug costs.”

“We have a lot of bills that we are considering,” Neubauer said.

Wisconsin Senate Democrats said they will hold caucuses through November and December to prepare for the new year. The next legislative session begins in January.

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