November 19, 2024
Mark your calendars! The Spring 2025 non-partisan election will be held on April 1, 2025, featuring a number of state and local office positions on the ballot. If you are interested in running, first say to circulate nomination papers is December 1, 2024. Incumbents must file notification for noncandidacy by December 27, 2024. Last day to file Declaration of Candidacy (Form EL-162), Nomination Papers (Form EL-169), and Campaign Finance Registration Statement (Form CF-1) is January 7, 2025. If necessary, the Spring Primary will be held February 17, 2025.
Some key non-partisan offices are up for re-election in Wisconsin with outcomes that could make for major changes for the future of Wisconsin. The Supt. of Public Instruction, currently held by Jill Underly on her first 4-year term, is a position that advances public education throughout Wisconsin. The State Supreme Court is an important office on the ballot as three-term Justice Ann Walsh Bradley is not seeking re-election. The results could switch the now progressive majority to conservative, challenging the popular topic of abortion. Two known candidates have been announced; Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge Brad Schimel and Dane County Circuit Court Judge Susan Crawford, who if elected will serve their first ten-year term. District III State Appeals Court is also up for re-election with Judge Lisa Stark on the ballot for a second six-year term. This position corrects circuit court errors, becoming legal precedent for future court cases.
For local elections, municipal boards/councils and school boards will be on the ballot. Eau Claire City Council features ten total members, five at Large that are on the 2025 ballot, which are currently occupied by Kate Felton, Larry Mboga, Joshua Miller, Charlie Johnson, and Roderick Jones, who serve three-year terms. Other municipalities include Altoona City Council which has an elected Mayor, 6 City Council members by district, and an appointed City Administrator. The seats are currently filled by elected Mayor Brendan Pratt, Dale Stuber of District 1, Timothy Lima of District 2, Dylan Green of District 3, Matthew Biren of District 4, Kaitlyn Leopold of District 5, and Susan Rowe of District 6. The appointed City Administrator is Mike Golat. Villages like Lake Hallie and nearby towns of Washington, Seymour, Union, and Wheaton will also be featured.
School boards are also included. The Eau Claire School Board consists of seven total members serving three-year terms. These seats are occupied by Tim Nordin, Lori Bica, Stephanie Farrar, Marquell Johnson, Erica Zerr, Joshua Clements, and Jarrett Dement. Stephanie Farrar, Tim Nordin, and Marquell Johnson will be up for re-election in the Spring. Note: Info Session, Nov. 21, 2024 @7pm - ECASD Administrative Building (500 Main St, Eau Claire). The Altoona School Board has five total members who also serve three-year terms. These seats are currently filled by Jeremy Zook, Hillarie Roth, Rich Hager, Lauren Otto, and Nathan Simonson. Rich Hager and Jeremy Zook are expected to be on the 2025 ballot.
Posted by Gigi Galdamez Governmental Affairs Intern
galdamez@eauclairechamber.org