Senator Lazich Will Not Seek Re-election

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Senate President Mary Lazich has abruptly announced she won't run for re-election this fall.

The New Berlin Republican issued a statement Monday announcing that she won't seek another term. She didn't offer any explanation. A message left at her Capitol office wasn't immediately returned.

The 63-year-old Lazich was first elected to the Assembly in 1992. She resigned from that body in 1998 when she won a special Senate election.

She has served in that chamber ever since. She worked as the Senate's president during the 2016-16 session and has served several stints on the Legislature's powerful budget committee during her career in Madison.

Republicans currently control the Senate 19-14. Democrats will have a difficult time trying to take Lazich's seat in November. Her district is staunchly conservative.

Lazich released this statement: 

Today I am announcing that I am not seeking re-election.  It has been an immense honor and pleasure to serve the people of Senate District 28.  During recent years Governor Walker and  the Republican led Legislature guided the state through turbulent times.  While the work was hard, the reward is great.  Wisconsin is much more fiscally secure and many government shackles have been opened.  Wisconsin residents and business are much better situated to pursue life with less government intrusion and with freedom to live, educate, and work with greater independence. 

Thank you to my husband, Glenn, my family, friends, and constituents, for prayers, love, and support during many campaigns and my time serving public office.  Thank you to my dedicated staff for working through the turbulent times.  Thank you to my colleagues for electing me to serve as Senate President.  It was a pleasure working with each Senator.  Thank you to the great members of the Wisconsin State Assembly.  Together we worked hard to serve the people of Wisconsin.

During the remainder of my term I will continue to assist constituents and work with colleagues to keep Wisconsin moving forward.

Upon hearing the news Monday that Senate President Mary Lazich, R–New Berlin, won’t be seeking re-election, Senate Assistant Majority Leader Leah Vukmir, R–Brookfield, issued the following statement:

“I wish the very best for Mary as she leaves the Senate to spend more time with her family and pursue other interests. Her 23 years of service in the state legislature will not be forgotten by her constituents or her colleagues. Under her leadership in the state legislature, many major elections reforms and pro-life initiatives were enacted across our state. Mary’s commitment to conservative principles and to making Wisconsin a better place to live will be missed.”