Nov. 11, 2024 – Former President Donald J. Trump will return to the White House in January after winning all seven swing states in a nation-wide trend of voters choosing the former president over Vice President Kamala Harris. In Wisconsin, Trump led by over 30,000 votes, besting President Biden’s 2020 winning margin of just over 20,000 voters. However, split-ticket voters in 2024 also returned Democratic incumbent Senator Tammy Baldwin to office, with a margin of about 29,000 more votes than challenger Eric Hovde. For House races, all Wisconsin’s incumbent representatives won another term, with five Republicans (Reps. Steil, Van Orden, Grothman, Tiffany and Fitzgerald) and two Democrats (Reps. Pocan and Moore) returning.

For the Wisconsin legislature, Republicans will retain majorities in both chambers, albeit with slimmer margins. The Senate is expected to return with 18 Republicans and 15 Democratic members (from 22-11, respectively), while the Assembly Republicans anticipate retaining 54 seats and the Democrats 45 seats (vs a 64-35 split in 2022). Also noteworthy, 25% of those sworn in will be first-time legislators.

One of the highlights of this election (pending final certification) is that every attorney-candidate who ran in the general election for a state legislative office won. However, the long-term trend of fewer attorneys serving in the legislature continued, with a total of nine lawyer-lawmakers for the 2025-2026 session, down from 10 in the previous session. Three attorneys will serve in the Senate (one GOP and two Democrats) and six in the Assembly (two GOP and four Democrats).

What does this mean for members of the State Bar of Wisconsin? Fewer attorney-legislators than ever, along with many freshman legislators, means your experience and knowledge of the law and the legal profession is more vital and powerful than it has ever been. It is essential that you let your elected officials know you are a resource for them. One easy way to engage with your legislators is through the State Bar’s Grassroots Advocacy Network. The Grassroots Toolkit is also a great resource for members wanting to get involved.

The grassroots network can be used to introduce yourself to your legislator after they are sworn into office, as well as reach out to them about a specific issue that is of importance to you. Our advice is to have your first point of contact be a message of “congratulations,” followed by an introduction of yourself and your professional experience, letting them know you are happy to be a resource. This serves the dual purpose of letting them know you are willing to help, should they need assistance, and also ensuring they are aware you are an engaged constituent.

Be on the lookout for an email from the Advocacy Network asking you to introduce yourself to your lawmakers in January, and in the meantime, familiarize yourself with the State Bar Board of Governor’s policy priorities. If you have any questions, reach out to Grassroots Coordinator Devin Martin at dmartin@wisbar.org.