Republican Rep. Dean Kaufert, who returned to the Legislature after serving as Neenah Mayor, announced Monday he is not seeking re-election this fall.
Wisconsin State Rep. Dean Kaufert (R-Neenah), who returned to the Legislature this session after serving as mayor of Neenah, will not seek reelection in November, according to political reporter JR Ross.
Kaufert is the 11th Wisconsin Assembly member to retire or seek higher office this cycle. His district is considered a competitive seat for Republicans in the upcoming fall elections.
Kaufert, 68, is a lifelong Fox Valley resident. He was born in Menasha, graduated from Neenah High School, and earned EMT certification from Fox Valley Technical College. As a small business owner, he operated the Dome Sports Bar & Grill and All Sport Trophy & Engraving.
Kaufert’s public service began as a Neenah City Council alderman from 1985 to 1991. He served in the Wisconsin State Assembly from 1991 to 2014, representing the 55th District. Afterward, he was elected mayor of Neenah in 2014 and served two terms until 2022, announcing his retirement in 2021 to spend more time with family.
In 2024, Kaufert returned to the Assembly by winning an election in the 53rd District, taking office in January 2025. He described his return to Madison as an effort to bring “common sense” back to state government.
Kaufert is married with two children and seven grandchildren. His departure adds to the turnover in the Wisconsin Legislature ahead of what is expected to be a closely watched midterm election.
