Gina Cefalu Paulick continues to gain traction in her campaign for Wisconsin State Assembly District 66, challenging incumbent Democrat and Assembly Minority Leader Greta Neubauer. The district covers Mt. Pleasant, Sturtevant, Elmwood Park, and South Racine. Under the more competitive maps, the race has drawn heightened attention as a potential opportunity for Republicans to flip a high-profile seat held by one of the state’s top Democratic leaders.
Paulick officially launched her campaign with a well-attended kickoff on June 6 at Route 20 Bar & Grill in Sturtevant. Former Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch delivered a strong endorsement and appeared as a special guest. Campaign organizers noted that Kleefisch’s appearance was dedicated exclusively to Paulick; she rarely campaigns in person for State Assembly or State Senate candidates. This highlighted both the strategic weight of District 66 and the early momentum behind Paulick’s effort in Racine County.
Paulick has also drawn visible backing from key Republican leaders and organizations, including Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, State Party Chairman Brian Schimming, State Rep. Amanda Nedweski, Kenosha County GOP Chairman Sandy Wiedmeyer, the Racine GOP, the Kenosha GOP, and Republican Women of SE Wisconsin, demonstrating broad party support for her challenge in District 66.
“Strong communities begin with real conversations, honest leadership, and people who stay involved every day,” Paulick has said. That message defines her packed events and continues to define her ground game.
A Candidate of Service and Local Roots
Paulick grew up in a military family and absorbed values of service, discipline, and responsibility. Her 85-year-old father, a Democrat and retired Lt. Col. in the U.S. Air Force, attended the kickoff event and spoke on her behalf. He remains actively involved in the campaign. Paulick and her father have walked neighborhoods and knocked over 4,000 doors together. Following an ankle and foot injury, her father has driven her to door-knocking shifts (5-6 days per week) so she can continue meeting voters face-to-face across the district.
Prior to moving to Racine, Wisconsin, Paulick spent two decades in Northern California, where she built her real estate career helping families achieve homeownership, giving her a firsthand perspective that sharpens her candidacy. She left the Golden State for Wisconsin after experiencing the consequences of policies that drove up the cost of living, imposed some of the nation’s highest tax rates on individuals and businesses, and enforced some of the harshest COVID-era lockdowns in the country.
Having lived through that environment, she is determined to keep Wisconsin from following the same path—protecting the state’s more affordable way of life, fiscal responsibility and personal freedoms so that families and small businesses here do not face the same pressures that prompted so many, including her, to seek a better home.
She built a private-sector career in sales with companies including Johnson & Johnson and PowerBar, then spent 20 years in real estate helping families achieve homeownership while raising her two daughters. After a long-distance courtship she married Scott Paulick, a Racine native, and made Racine County home. She has served as a Mount Pleasant Trustee, on the Board of Appeals, and on EMS committees. After three decades as an Independent, she is running as a Republican focused on fiscal responsibility, accountability, and practical solutions that prioritize everyday Wisconsinites over Madison politics. Her campaign slogan and X bio capture the mission: “Running to preserve WI Way of Life!”
Paulick emphasizes accessibility. She regularly attends local festivals, community events, neighborhood gatherings, and she spends significant time door-knocking. Residents raise concerns about rising property taxes and cost of living, housing affordability, schools, public safety, and the quality of life that defines Wisconsin communities. “Many people feel disconnected from local leadership,” says Paulick. “They want someone who listens, shows up, and understands daily struggles. Leadership starts with being present.”
Why This Seat Matters for Conservatives
Greta Neubauer has represented the area since a 2018 special election and has served as Assembly Minority Leader since 2022. She is a central figure in Democratic strategy aiming to flip the Assembly. District 66 became more competitive under the new maps; Neubauer’s 2024 reelection margin was tighter than in prior cycles. Flipping the seat would remove a key Democratic leader from the chamber and strengthen Republican numbers in a year when control of the Legislature remains closely contested.
For conservatives, the race is about more than one district. It tests whether voters in Racine County suburbs and South Racine prefer continued progressive leadership from Madison or a common-sense alternative focused on taxes, schools, public safety, and local accountability. Paulick says the choice is real people and real conversations versus top-down politics.
How to Support the Campaign
Paulick’s team directs supporters to:
Visit the campaign website: www.voteginapaulick.com
Text “Gina” to 888-444-8774 to donate
Follow X: @Gina4WIAssembly
Facebook: Gina Paulick for Wisconsin
After the strong kickoff featuring Kleefisch’s rare personal endorsement, ongoing door-knocking efforts, and growing local support, momentum continues to build. For conservatives watching Racine County and the fight for the Assembly, District 66 is one to watch closely this fall.
