Nic Cravillion, a seventh-generation family farmer, U.S. Army veteran, and former district director for retiring state Sen. André Jacque, announced his candidacy Monday for the Republican nomination in Wisconsin’s 1st State Senate District.
Cravillion, who was born and raised on his family’s farm in New Franken, said his roots in the district run deep. After high school, he joined the Army and deployed to Afghanistan in 2011 to support Operation Enduring Freedom. He returned in 2014 and has more than 15 years of military service, continuing today in the Wisconsin Army National Guard.
For the past five years, Cravillion has worked as Jacque’s district director. He also owns a small business, and his wife is a local realtor. The couple is raising a family on the farm and remains active in their church and American Legion Post 262 in Luxemburg.
“While I’m saddened that my friend and mentor, André Jacque, has decided not to seek reelection, I believe now is the time for me to step up, continue the work we’ve started, and fight for the values that define our communities,” Cravillion said in a statement.
He described his campaign as “Working for Wisconsin,” with priorities including lowering the tax burden on families and seniors, supporting farmers and small businesses in rural communities, expanding workforce and affordable housing opportunities, protecting outdoor heritage through conservation and hunting access, and holding government accountable.
Cravillion joins three other Republicans already in the race for the open seat. Barbara Bittner, chair of the Republican Party of Calumet County, announced on April 30. Jacob VandenPlas of Sturgeon Bay, a combat veteran, farmer, and former Libertarian Party candidate for the 8th Congressional District, announced in April. Kell Bales of Kimberly, Outagamie County Veterans Service Officer and small-business owner who previously served on a local school board, entered the race May 1.
An independent candidate, Mark Becker of Luxembourg, has also announced.
The 1st Senate District includes all of Door and Kewaunee counties and portions of Brown, Calumet, Manitowoc, and Outagamie counties. The Republican primary is scheduled for Aug. 11, 2026, with the general election on Nov. 3.
