MADISON Wis. (CBS 58) — Wisconsin Senator Dianne Hesselbein was elected by Democrats to become the next Minority Leader.

Hesselbein fills the vacancy left by outgoing leader Senator Melissa Agard (D-Madison) who announced she’s stepping down to run for Dane County executive.

“I am proud to lead such a strong group the rest of this session and into the year ahead,” Hesselbein said in a statement.

“As leader, I will ensure that everyone has a voice. I pledge to make every member of our caucus – and the people we represent -- a priority.”

Hesselbein was elected to the Senate last fall after serving more than a decade in the Assembly. She previously served as assistant minority leader in the Assembly from 2017-2022