Eau Claire County Board Supervisor Michele Magadance Skinner announced she is running as a Republican for the seat being vacated by retiring GOP Sen. Jesse James.
Eau Claire County Board Supervisor Michele Magadance Skinner announced she is running as a Republican for the Wisconsin State Senate 31st District seat following the retirement of state Sen. Jesse James.
Elected to the county board in 2024, Skinner stated she will continue James’ efforts to expand health care access and lower costs for working families. “Hardworking families deserve a senator in Madison who will roll their sleeves up, work across the aisle, and deliver,” Skinner said. “That’s what Sen. James did, and that’s what I will do as your next state senator.”
James, a Republican from Thorp, previously represented the 23rd Senate District before redistricting placed him in the 31st. He announced his retirement last week after one Senate term and prior service in the Assembly. He has endorsed Skinner’s candidacy.
Skinner thanked James for his service, noting the district would miss his “dedication, candor, and ability to always do the right thing.” She invited supporters to join her campaign “as we move forward together.”
Skinner is a former journalist who worked at WEAU TV-13 in Eau Claire, as well as in Georgia and Minnesota. She also owned a recruitment business in Eau Claire. In 2024, she ran for the state Assembly but lost to Democratic incumbent Jodi Emerson in the 91st District.
The 31st Senate District, which includes all of Eau Claire County and parts of Dunn, Chippewa, and Trempealeau counties, is considered competitive and could play a role in the battle for control of the closely divided Wisconsin Senate.
Skinner stated her county board experience has demonstrated how state policies directly impact local communities.
“I am running for state Senate to follow Sen. James’ lead and continue his work,” she said.
