Cowles will not seek reelection

BY PRESS TIMES STAFF

GREEN BAY – Senator Rob Cowles (R-Green Bay) will not seek reelection to his District 2 Wisconsin State Senate seat.

Cowles, 73, was elected to the Wisconsin Assembly in 1982 and resigned five years later, after winning a seat in the Senate.

“After much thought and deliberation, I have decided not to seek reelection to the Wisconsin State Senate,” Cowles said. “Many of the amazing individuals that I’ve collaborated with do their work in the background. I want to thank some of these great people who I’ve had the privilege of working with during my time in the Legislature.

“First, our state government truly wouldn’t function properly without the dedicated nonpartisan staff serving the Legislature… Second, few people have the chance to get to know the elected officials representing Wisconsinites at the state and local level on a professional and personal level like I have over the years. Despite policy disagreements at times, I’ve met some outstanding individuals who serve their constituents with honor and respect. I wish my colleagues all the best in their efforts to serve the people of Wisconsin in the coming sessions.

“Third, my staff, past and present, have been dedicated to helping advance my work and assist the people of Northeast Wisconsin. I’ve been grateful to have these individuals willing to work in my office, and I want to wish them all the best as they go forward in their careers.

“Last but certainly not least, the people of Northeast Wisconsin have been endlessly kind to me. From entrusting me with an amazing responsibility to serve them, the civility they’ve largely showed even in disagreement, and the countless times I’ve been welcomed into events, meetings and tours, I’ve met so many exceptional people that always reminded me what the work of a legislator is truly all about.”

Cowles serves as chair of the Wisconsin Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Energy and co-chair of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee, and serves on the Senate Committee on Transportation, Veterans and Military Affairs and the Speaker’s Task Force on Water Quality.

Under the new legislative maps, Cowles was put in the same Senate district as two other Republican incumbents — Andre Jacque and Eric Wimberger.

District 2 now includes parts of Brown, Outagamie, Shawano and Waupaca counties.