Home » Uncategorized » Election previews

Election previews

The Nov. 8 general election ballot in Brown County will feature eight races, including one in the State Senate District No. 1, as well as races in Assembly Districts 1, 2, 4, 5, 88, 89 and 90.

All candidates listed on the ballot were contacted by the Press Times via email; here are their responses.

State Senate
District 1
District 1 of the State Senate is made up of the first, second, and third assembly districts.

Name: Andrea Gage-Michaels, Democrat

Andrea Gage-Michaels

Address: De Pere

Years lived in district: I moved to Northeast Wisconsin in 2016 to practice elder law, and have practiced in Senate District 1 ever since. My home in East De Pere was recently redistricted, making me a resident as well.

Occupation: Elder law attorney

Education: B.S. in journalism, minor in history, Boston University, 1998. Juris Doctor, Marquette University Law School, 2011. Masters in dispute resolution, Marquette University Graduate School, 2013.

Political experience or relevant qualifications:

Prior to practicing law, I worked at Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, where I devised the media strategy for the Compassionate Care for Rape Victims Act. After Planned Parenthood, I worked for the AFL-CIO, a state senator and the State Bar of Wisconsin. I served on the Sun Prairie City Council from 2013 to 2015.

What is the most important state issue facing constituents in your district, and what would you do to address it if elected?

The most pressing issue facing Senate District 1 is access to health care.

We must increase access to post-COVID care and treatment for survivors, increase access to mental health care for schoolchildren and people of all ages, and we must ensure that abortion remains legal.

We must repeal the 1849 abortion ban, an antiquated law that has remained on our books since 1849.

That pre-Civil War era statute would make doctors who perform the procedure Class H felons, and contains no exception for rape or incest.

We have seen worldwide that when abortion is illegal, women die.

These decisions should be made by women, in consultation with their doctors.

Doctors should never face jail time for simply providing basic health care.

A majority of Wisconsinites believe that women should have bodily autonomy, including the ability to choose if and when they become pregnant.

Ultimately, the will of the people should be the law of the land.

Name: André Jacque (i), Republican

Address: De Pere

Andre Jacque

Years lived in district: I’ve been a Northeast Wisconsin resident for over 30 years, lived in the 1st Senate District for 17 years, and in De Pere for the last 10 years.

Occupation: State Senator

Education: Graduate of Green Bay Southwest High School, Bachelor of Science from University of Wisconsin-Madison`with Graduate Certificate from the LaFollette School of Public Affairs

Political experience or relevant qualifications: Elected to the State Assembly in 2010, re-elected in 2012, 2014 and 2016. Elected to the State Senate in 2018. Former local government grant writer and communications and planning director.

What is the most important state issue facing constituents in your district, and what would you do to address it if elected?

While Wisconsin lacks several tools available at the federal level, opportunities remain for curtailing the dramatically rising cost of living:

Wisconsin should continue to adopt strategic, broad-based tax cuts to allow people to keep more of their paycheck and sustain the economic growth and budget surpluses Wisconsin has accomplished.

Wisconsin’s budget should be developed using Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) to reduce the potential for excessive borrowing and the risk of future deficits.

Healthcare reforms can improve patient outcomes, reduce prices and ease inflationary pressures.
Wisconsin needs to address benefit cliffs within government programs to reduce barriers to workforce expansion.

Beyond that, I enjoy getting results for my constituents and cutting through red tape in state agencies as an effective and accessible problem solver on a broad range of issues, including authoring 24 bills signed into law with bipartisan support over just the last two years alone — more than any other legislator.

I was recently named Legislator of the Year by the Wisconsin Professional Police Association for the third time, elected Chair of the 10-state/province nonpartisan Great Lakes Legislative Caucus focused on water quality, and I am a leader in increasing apprenticeships and expanding youth apprenticeship and K-12 career planning.

State Assembly

District 1
Assembly District 1 includes a portion of Brown County consisting of the towns of Eaton, Green Bay, Humboldt, and Scott, as well as part of the city of Green Bay.

Name: Roberta Thelen, Democrat

Did not respond.

Name: Joel Kitchens (i), Republican

Address: Sturgeon Bay

Joel Kitchens

Years lived in district: 38

Occupation: Retired large animal veterinarian, legislator

Education: BS and DVM from Ohio State University

Political experience or relevant qualifications: I have served 8 years in the State Assembly. I was on the Sturgeon Bay school board for 14 years and served 12 years as president. I serve on the Board of Directors of the Door County Medical Center and on the Coastal Management Council.

What is the most important state issue facing constituents in your district, and what would you do to address it if elected?

The most urgent issue facing our residents is inflation.

In the legislature, it is vital that we keep as much money in people’s pockets as possible.

I opposed Governor Evers’ proposal that would have increased spending and increased taxes.

Instead, we delivered a middle class tax cut and a surplus.

I have also spoken out against the massive federal government overspending that is the primary cause of the inflation we are experiencing.

A major factor fueling inflation is the worker shortage.

Over three million people have not returned to work following the COVID pandemic.

Despite the governor’s vetoes, we will continue to pursue legislation that reduces fraud in the unemployment system and makes it easier for residents to rejoin the workforce.

District 2
Assembly District 2 is made up of a portion of Brown County, consisting of the towns of Holland, Lawrence, Morrison, New Denmark, Rockland, and Wrightstown, as well as the village of Denmark and part of the village of Wrightstown.

Name: Renee Gasch, Democrat

Address: De Pere

Years lived in district: 8

Occupation: Agricultural education

Education: B.A. journalism, M.A. anthropology

Political experience or relevant qualifications: De Pere Sustainability Commission, Governor Evers Student Debt Task Force

What is the most important state issue facing constituents in your district, and what would you do to address it if elected?

Lowering costs of living for working families and accessing healthcare are the most important issues in this election.

Wisconsin has a budget surplus, and the State Legislature can choose to provide relief to Wisconsin families to cover inflated housing, child care and fuel costs.

I would support Governor Evers’ tax relief plan for middle class families.

I also propose we invest surplus dollars into public school early childhood education programs to create more affordable child care options for parents who need to work.

We can lower healthcare costs by accepting federal Medicaid expansion money and making BadgerCare available to the public for anyone that wants to buy into it.

Affordable, unrestricted access to healthcare is vital for the people of our state.

The Legislature must repeal the 1849 abortion ban that jails healthcare professionals for providing reproductive care.

We should restore the freedom for Wisconsin patients and their doctors to make healthcare decisions without the interference of politicians and lawyers.

We deserve more healthcare options, not less, especially in rural parts of our district that are underserved.
I would work to expand elder care, maternal care, and mental healthcare so we all have an equal opportunity to thrive in Wisconsin.

Name: Shae Sortwell (i), Republican

Address: Two Rivers

Shae Sortwell

Years lived in district: 14

Occupation: Truck driver and legislator

Education: BA Public Administration, Hazmat Tech certified: US Army Chemical School

Political experience: State representative since 2019

What is the most important state issue facing constituents in your district, and what would you do to address it if elected?

Government inflation is stealing from the people.

Crime is out of control in Milwaukee and rising in Green Bay, and Governor Evers is releasing hundreds of murderers and child rapists onto our streets.

This violence will spread if we don’t nip it in the bud in these larger cities.

We need to reward hard work by lowering taxes so you keep what you earned.

I won’t give your money to those who won’t work.

On our economy: I’ve stood with the working people and earned the Working For Wisconsin award for supporting economic development this session.

And we need to stand with our police against the violence spreading in our state.

On crime: I’ve stood with our police and earned a place on the Wisconsin Professional Police Association’s Honor Roll this session.

Additionally, I got seven bipartisan bills passed into law this session including on issues such as dredging, healthcare privacy, capital loss deduction, 911 funding, Epi-Pen access, and adding the Southern Bridge to the 2021 State Budget.

And I have several more I expect to pass next session on issues like Hmong Veteran IDs, medical free speech, social media free speech, election records preservation, etc.

District 4
Assembly District 4 is situated in Brown County and includes the villages of Allouez and Ashwaubenon, part of the village of Howard, and part of the city of Green Bay.

Name: Derek Teague, Democrat

Did not respond.

Name: David Steffen (i), Republican

Address: Howard

David Steffen

Years lived in district: 29

Occupation: State representative and small business owner

Education: Graduate of Ashwaubenon High School and UW-Madison (B.A. – Political Science)

Political experience or relevant qualifications:

State Representative (8 years), Brown County Board Supervisor (3 years), Howard Village Board Trustee (7 years)

What is the most important state issue facing constituents in your district, and what would you do to address it if elected?

The crushing impact of inflation on fuel, food, and housing costs is by far the most concerning issue facing residents right now.

With dramatic heating cost increases announced last week, it will be a very difficult, very cold winter for far too many Wisconsinites.

To alleviate this problem that was caused by out-of-control spending by our federal government, the state needs to return excess state revenue to the residents.

It’s your money, and the government took more of it than it needed.

I will work to return the majority of the state’s $4.3 billion budget surplus to the people via tax cuts, including my Tax-Free Retirement Plan, which permanently eliminates income taxes on Wisconsin retirees.
This proposal will not only keep more of our retires financially safe during their golden years, but also serve as a workforce attractant for employees who are looking for a tax-friendly state to work and establish their future.

District 5
Assembly District 5 includes a portion of Brown County consisting of the village of Hobart and a portion of the village of Howard.

Name: Joey Van Deurzen, Democrat

Address: De Pere

Joey Van Deurzen

Years lived in district: 20

Occupation: IT support

Education: Pursuing computer science degree

Political experience or relevant qualifications: I have attended public schools throughout my education. I interned on a Senate campaign, and I worked on three farms in the 5th Assembly District.

What is the most important state issue facing constituents in your district, and what would you do to address it if elected?

Wisconsin is falling behind our neighbors.

We have seen millions of taxpayer dollars spent on projects like Foxconn, which only forced people out of their homes.

Our legislature maintained the $7.25 per hour minimum wage that lags far behind reality.

Our public schools are facing countless attacks on funding and curriculum that are hurting the futures of Wisconsin kids.

We are facing environmental catastrophes that will hurt the health and livelihoods of all Wisconsinites.
If we are going to face these issues and more, we need representation in the Assembly that lives in reality.
We deserve representatives that will fight for our future.

A representative that won’t toe the current backwards line, but will fight for our environment, our education, our livelihoods, and our future.

I believe in this race I am that candidate.

Name: Joy Goeben, Republican

Address: Hobart

Joy Goeben

Years lived in district: 5

Occupation: Small business owner

Education: Bachelor’s degree – education, UW-Green Bay;

Master of Education, Walden University

Political experience or relevant qualifications:

I taught 6th-grade students in the Ashwaubenon public school system. When I started a family, I opened Joyful Hearts Family Childcare Center, which I owned and operated for 10 years. Currently, I assist my husband in the operation of our family business, Classic Carpet Cleaning. I have served on several leadership boards including: GBACH Board Member, YWCA Swim Team Board Member, Christ Alone Church Leadership Board Member

What is the most important state issue facing constituents in your district, and what would you do to address it if elected?

All issues that affect the people of Wisconsin need to be heard and responded to.

Issues that are currently being brought to my attention as I talk with people throughout the district include:

Community safety: Crime is rising across the state, including in District 5.

I would work to promote the safety of our communities by ensuring our law enforcement agencies are fully funded, finding solutions to increase the recruitment and retainment of officers, and promoting law and order in our communities by enforcing laws and punishing criminals.

Education: I have a background in education.

I understand how important it is that we have quality schools for our children.

I support universal school choice and a Parents Bill of Rights

Economy: People are frustrated and discouraged that they are unable to afford their basic needs.
We need to fight inflation and help our communities grow and thrive by balancing the budget, stopping reckless government spending, and lowering the tax burden on families.

Division that is growing in our nation: People are concerned with the lack of civil dialogue.
From before my primary, I have worked to have a positive campaign, taking the time to truly hear the concerns of the people in District 5.

District 88
Assembly District 88 includes the following territory in Brown County: the town of Glenmore and the village of Bellevue, along with portions of the city of De Pere, the city of Green Bay, and the town of Ledgeview.

Name: Hannah Beauchamp-Pope, Democrat

Address: Green Bay

Hannah Beauchamp-Pope

Years lived in district: 21

Occupation: Legal intern at the law firm of Conway, Olejniczak & Jerry

Education: Senior at UW-Green Bay, expected graduation May 2023. Triple major in democracy & justice studies, psychology and sociology & anthropology, minor in criminal justice.

Political experience or relevant qualifications: Co-Chair of the Board of Directors for Leaders Igniting Transformation, a political organization. Worked in Washington, DC in 2022 for The Fund for American Studies Alumni, Leadership and the American Presidency program track, Presidential Leadership Award – Ronald Reagan Institute. Intern at the National Reentry Network for Returning Citizens.

What is the most important state issue facing constituents in your district, and what would you do to address it if elected?

The most important issue facing Wisconsin is the threat to democracy as we know it.

A truly representative government cannot exist when elected officials actively work against the will of the people by gaveling in and out of floor sessions without even being present in the room.

As a representative of District 88, I will show up, I will participate, and I will contribute to the betterment of our shared communities.

The current majority in our state legislature has introduced a number of tyrannical bills that would restrict voting access, not expand it.

They have also failed to provide healthcare options that support small businesses and Wisconsin families, as well as a failure to provide adequate funding for community-based resources that have been proven to reduce and prevent crime.

Our country was founded on the basis of revolution and the consent of the governed.

In each of us lies a great purpose and duty to protect American freedoms against government overreach and negligence.

It is time for the power to be returned back to the constituents of District 88 and for representatives of the State Assembly to embody the values of the people they serve.

It’s time for real change.

Name: John Macco (i), Republican

Did not respond.

District 89
Assembly District 89 is made up of a part of Brown County that includes the village of Suamico and part of the village of Howard.

Name: Jane Benson, Democrat

Address: Suamico

Jane Benson

Years Lived in District: 20

Occupation: Independent web developer for 14 years

Education: NWTC – Associates Degree, E-Business Technology Specialist. UW-Madison – Marketing Certificate. University of Arizona, Tucson – Bachelor of Arts

Political or relevant qualifications: Village of Suamico poll worker for 15 years; Citizen Action organizer to discuss changes to Affordable Care Act; Member of League of Women Voters and Fair Maps Coalition; Disability Rights WI.

What is the most important state issue facing constituents in your district, and what would you do to address it if elected?

The western edge of the bay of Green Bay runs along most of the 89th Assembly District.

The bay connects to Lake Michigan, part of the Great Lakes which contain 90% of the fresh water of the United States.

A catastrophe is unfolding as area pollutants, like PFAS “forever chemicals” mix into Lake Michigan.

Such chemicals cause cancers and other physical illnesses in the people of Peshtigo and Marinette, where fire retardant foam containing PFAS also drenched the land down into the groundwater aquifers, making the water poisonous.

There is currently no developed science to eliminate PFAS on a large scale.

My goals would be to encourage the family of PFOS/PFAS chemicals to be declared hazardous materials, and to help people locally with water testing, filters and medical testing.

Insurance companies should provide data to identify hot spots where people are getting sick with the illnesses typically caused by PFAS exposure.

Corporations reaped profits for decades from these poisonous products and are not accepting adequate responsibility for the damage they’ve done.

We need all levels of government to work together forcefully on this grave problem.

I want to collaborate on behalf of citizens of the 89th District to make sure they’re not abandoned.

Name: Elijah Behnke (i), Republican

Did not respond.

District 90
Assembly District 90 is made up of a portion of the city of Green Bay.

Name: Kristina Shelton (i), Democrat

Address: Green Bay

Kristina Shelton

Years lived in district: 7

Occupation: State Representative to the 90th Assembly District

Highest education level: Master of Science, health promotion management

Relevant experience: Former public educator, Green Bay Area School Board member.
Elected to the 90th Assembly district in 2020.

What is the most important state issue facing constituents in your district, and what would you do to address it if elected?

Wisconsinites are incredibly hard-working.

And yet, too many households are struggling to make ends meet.

The legislature has a duty to help families through difficult times.

I’ll continue to advance legislation to make Wisconsin more affordable and lift up working families.

With an unprecedented budget surplus of over $5 billion, I support Governor Evers’ proposed tax cut plan to put money back into the pockets of working families.

Under the plan, a median family of four would receive an annual tax cut of more than $375.

It also repeals the state’s minimum markup law for fuel, creates a caregiver tax credit, and expands eligibility for the Veterans and Surviving Spouses Property Tax Credit.

We should also pass the Healthy School Meals Act, a bill I authored that would save families an average of $150 a month on school meals.

Protecting reproductive rights is also a critical issue.

Wisconsin Democrats introduced the Abortion Rights Preservation Act, a bill to repeal the 1849 law criminalizing abortion.

Abortion must be safe, legal, and available.

Women, not politicians, should have the freedom to make their own personal decisions about their body and healthcare, including if and when to have children.

Name: Micah Behnke, Republican

Did not respond.

Facebook Comments
Scroll to Top