In the coming weeks, recall elections will take place in nine of Wisconsin’s state Senate districts. Six Democratic challengers will run to oust Republican incumbents from their seats, while three GOP hopefuls will compete to remove Democratic lawmakers from office.
At stake in the recall match-ups is control of the state Senate. If Democrats pick up a total of three seats, their party will regain control of the chamber.
The recall contests come in the wake of Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker (R) signing a contentious anti-union bill into law in the Badger State. The six Republican state senators who are running to keep their seats all backed the measure, while the three Democratic lawmakers being challenged voted against it.
Below, a rundown of the recall match-ups that will take place. Scroll down for a live blog of the latest developments to unfold in Wisconsin.
July 19
District 12: Lincoln County Board of Supervisors chairman Robert Lussow is going head-to-head with Vilas County Republican Party vice chair Kim Simac in a GOP primary contest. The winner of the match-up will run against state Sen. Jim Holperin (D) in a general election race.
District 22: Attorney Jonathan Steitz is facing off against Kenosha County Board vice chairman Fred Ekornaas for a chance to unseat state Sen. Robert W. Wirch (D).
District 30: Republican challenger David VanderLeest is taking on state Sen. Dave Hansen (D) in a general election race.
August 9
District 2: In a general election contest, former De Pere Mayor Nancy Nusbaum (D) is running against Republican state Sen. Robert Cowles.
District 8: State Rep. Sandy Pasch (D) is facing off against GOP state Sen. Alberta Darling (R) in a general election race.
District 10: Democrat Shelly Moore, an English teacher, is vying to unseat state Sen. Sheila Harsdorf (R) in a general election contest.
District 14: Democratic state Rep. Fred Clark is running against Republican state Sen. Luther Olsen in a general election race.
District 18: Attorney Jessica King, a Democrat, is looking to unseat Republican state Sen. Randy Hopper in a general election match-up.
District 32: Democratic state Rep. Jennifer Shilling of La Crosse is facing off against state Sen. Dan Kapanke (R) in a general election race.
