PLATTEVILLE — As local hospitals close their doors and school funding remains uncertain, Lisa White knows western Wisconsin deserves better representation in Madison. The accomplished businesswoman and lifelong Grant County resident officially announced her candidacy for Wisconsin’s 17th State Senate District back in February. She is bringing three decades of hands-on experience solving problems for her neighbors.
“As someone raised on a Wisconsin farm and who’s built a thriving business from scratch, I understand the pulse and challenges of our district,” White said. “I’m committed to bridging divides and amplifying the voices of our community’s underdogs and those who feel betrayed by politics as usual.”
Known locally as “The Painter Lady,” Lisa White has spent over 30 years in the building trades, launching The Painter Lady LLC a decade ago out of Potosi. Armed with a single SUV, ladder, and fierce determination, she built her company into one of the top 2% of women-owned businesses, regularly surpassing $1 million in annual sales through home and business improvements across southern Wisconsin and northeast Iowa.
White’s journey began in healthcare after graduating from Southwest Wisconsin Technical College in nursing. She continued her education at UW-Platteville and Buena Vista University before finding her calling in the building trades.
For three decades, White has worked side-by-side with district residents, listening and responding to their needs while stewarding their resources with care and integrity. As president of the Potosi Chamber of Commerce, she played a key role in reviving the now-renowned Potosi Brewery and Museum, transforming it into a proud example of small-town investment and success.
Pausing her duties at The Painter Lady LLC, White has set out to listen, communicate, and fight for every constituent of District 17.
“I’m not running because I need a job in Madison,” White concluded. “I’m running because our communities need someone who understands their struggles and has the proven track record to deliver results.”
White’s campaign launches as a direct challenge to incumbent Republican Senator Howard Marklein. She identifies two critical issues threatening the district’s future.
“Senator Marklein’s unwavering commitment to the national Republican agenda has created real harm here at home,” White stated. “By leveraging his role as role as Co-Chair of the Joint Finance Committee, he has repeatedly blocked and delayed funds already approved in the state budget — jeopardizing critical initiatives for funding education, clean water, and worsening our healthcare crisis as local hospitals close. His use of secretive ‘pocket vetoes’ and disregard for checks and balances leaves our citizens voiceless,” White stated.
“The western communities of our district have gone too long without true rural representation,” White added. “The priorities of our small towns have been sidelined by urban agendas for decades. It’s time for an advocate who lives our challenges and cares deeply about our future.”
White emphasizes the urgency of change: “Make no mistake, the district must be unified- both eastern and western counties- to create a win for all of its citizens.”
Policy Priorities: Concrete Solutions for Real Problems
White’s campaign focuses on three key areas with specific commitments:
● Fully Funding Public Schools
Ensuring every child in District 17 has access to quality education with adequate resources, technology, and support staff; without the need of more tax increases.
● Securing Accessible, Quality Healthcare
Fighting to keep local hospitals open and expanding access to mental health services and specialist care in rural communities. While also, protecting veterans’ healthcare and benefits, ensuring those who’ve served our country receive the care and respect they deserve.
● Protecting Small Businesses and Family Farms
Supporting policies that help local entrepreneurs thrive while preserving Wisconsin’s agricultural heritage for future generations.