Former state Rep. Amy Binsfeld announced Thursday her candidacy for the Wisconsin Senate seat that Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu will vacate.
She made her announcement in Sheboygan, one day after LeMahieu said he would not seek re-election at the end of his current term. She is seeking the 9th Senate District seat, which covers Sheboygan, Manitowoc, Calumet, and Fond du Lac counties.
“I’m running for State Senate because our communities deserve strong, reliable leadership that listens and delivers,” Binsfeld said in her announcement. “I will fight to protect our conservative values, support our local economy, and ensure our district continues to thrive for generations to come.”
On social media, Binsfeld stated, “I am excited to announce my candidacy for Wisconsin’s 9th Senate District! I look forward to the opportunity to serve.”
Binsfeld, a Republican, served one term in the state Assembly after her 2022 election. She served on the Education, Family Law, and Ways and Means committees, and chaired the Speaker’s Task Force on Truancy. In the 2023 session, she introduced 36 bills, including proposals to expand the child and dependent care tax credit, reduce truancy, and address child runaways. Two of her bills became law: one increased the child and dependent care tax credit by raising employment-related expense limits, and another revised the state’s 529 college savings accounts.
Her announcement described her as “a principled conservative focused on delivering results for families, small businesses, and rural communities.” LeMahieu, a Republican and Senate majority leader, announced his departure on Wednesday, citing a desire for a new chapter and more time with his family in their Madison-area home.
Binsfeld entered the race after leaving the Assembly following the 2024 election cycle, which took place under new legislative maps. Her legislative record focused on education, tax relief for families, and support for rural communities.
