By Press Times Staff

BROWN COUNTY – Rep. John Nygren (R-Marinette) announced his resignation from the Wisconsin Assembly, Tuesday, Dec. 1, via a statement and a tweet.

“Serving the 89th Assembly District has been the honor of a lifetime,” Nygren tweeted. “I appreciate all the support I have received over the years and will always cherish the friendships I have made during my time in office.”

Nygren, 56, was first elected to the Assembly in 2006 and served as the chair of the Committee of Finance and co-chair of the Joint Committee of Finance.

His tenure as Assembly co-chair is tied for the longest tenure in the committee’s 109-year history.

“Wisconsin was in tough shape financially when I was appointed Co-Chair,” Nygren’s statement reads. “Over the last eight years, we have cut taxes by a cumulative $13 billion, the state’s investment in public schools is the highest in our state’s history, and the state’s rainy day fund has grown to nearly $800 million. Wisconsin is on sound financial footing and is well situated to weather the economic uncertainty created by the pandemic.”

Last month Nygren earned an eighth two-year term in office by easily outpolling Democratic challenger Karl Jaeger, 22,823 votes to 10,374, or 68.8 percent to 31.2 percent.

The 89th District stretches from Marinette to parts of Howard and Suamico, and also includes parts of Oconto County.

Nygren’s statement said his “resignation will allow him to pursue career opportunities in the private sector.”

His statement said his resignation will be effective Dec. 2.

Nygren’s resignation will be filled by a special election.