2025-26 Republican Senate Leadership Elected

Senator Joan Ballweg, after being redistricted into a new Senate district, pledged to relocate and ensure the seat remained Republican. However, she was unsuccessful in her bid to retain the seat, casting doubt on whether she will follow through on relocating or instead opt for retirement. Her original home district, now Senate District 13, remains represented by Senator John Jagler, who is up for re-election in 2026.

Senator Duey Stroebel also failed in his re-election bid, marking what may be the conclusion of his time in Wisconsin politics. Hopefully that is the last time I type his name.

With no unexpected outcomes or new additions to their ranks, Senate Republicans swiftly elected their leadership team for the 2025-26 legislative session. While the changes are not groundbreaking, they reflect some notable shifts. Senator Chris Kapenga, a staunch opponent of cannabis reform, is out as Senate President, with Senator Mary Felzkowski stepping into the role. Additionally, with Senator Joan Ballweg losing her re-election campaign, she has been removed from the leadership team. Her position as Majority Caucus Vice Chair is now filled by Senator Rachael Cabral-Guevara, signaling a generational change within the caucus.

As the 107th Wisconsin State Legislature convenes in January 2025, the Senate President will preside over legislative proceedings and play a key role in guiding the Republican caucus’s agenda. These leadership adjustments set the stage for the GOP’s strategic direction in the upcoming term.

Senate Republicans

• President – Sen. Mary Felzkowski (R-Tomahawk)
• President Pro Tempore – Sen. Pat Testin (R-Stevens Point)
• Majority Leader – Sen. Devin LeMahieu (R-Oostburg)
• Assistant Majority Leader – Sen. Dan Feyen (R-Fond du Lac)
• Majority Caucus Chair – Sen. Van Wanggaard (R-Racine)
• Majority Caucus Vice-Chair – Sen. Rachael Cabral-Guevara (R-Appleton)

Apologies for the blurry images—though perhaps they’re fitting, as things in Madison are a bit unclear right now. Until the Assembly leadership is fully solidified, the overall tone of legislative priorities and direction remains uncertain. However, significant shifts in power and policy are already taking shape.

The Republican Senate, under its newly elected President, Mary Felzkowski, could emerge as a more progressive force within the GOP. Felzkowski, who has previously supported innovative and forward-looking legislation, is likely to champion bills that push the boundaries of traditional Republican policymaking. Her leadership style and legislative agenda may create friction between the Senate and the Assembly, particularly as Speaker Robin Vos grapples with a diminished majority and a caucus increasingly split on key issues.

One critical area of contention will likely be over control of the legislative flow. With Felzkowski advocating for progress on select bipartisan issues—possibly including healthcare access and cannabis reform—there is potential for a power struggle between the two chambers. The dynamic between a progressive-leaning Senate President and a Speaker who has shown little interest in compromise could shape the legislative session in profound and unpredictable ways.

As the smoke clears and leadership positions are finalized, the interplay between these chambers will determine whether Wisconsin’s Legislature can find common ground or remain mired in gridlock. This evolving leadership dynamic could set the tone for significant policy battles in the months ahead.

This post election coverage analysis is sponsored by Original Shirtface and Green Crown Extracts. Please follow their HQ and retail space Place of Bear in Mukwonago on facebook and watch for a Dec 7th event.