MADISON — Senator Janis Ringhand, serving the 15th Senate district since 2014, announced the morning of March 9 she would not seek re-election to the State Senate.
“It has been a great honor to serve the people of the 15th Senate district,” Ringhand wrote in a statement. “While I will miss working with colleagues on important issues, I think that this is the right time to step aside, relax and retire.”
The Democrat from Evansville was elected to the State Assembly in 2010 and the State Senate in 2014. She is currently the Assistant Minority leader for the Senate Democrats. Prior to serving in the state legislature, Senator Ringhand was the mayor of Evansville, a member of the city council and a volunteer on numerous local boards and commissions.
“Janis has been a friend, a mentor, and a role model to me throughout my time in the State Assembly, and I want to congratulate her for her dedicated service to our state and its people,” said Mark Spreitzer (D-Beloit), State Rep. of the 45th Assembly District just hours later. “The City of Evansville, the 45th State Assembly District, and the 15th State Senate District have been lucky to have Janis on their side for so many years.”
In the state legislature, Senator Ringhand was a strong voice for union labor, expanding paid Family and Medical Leave, reigning in the Dark Store tax loophole, an advocate for local control and promoting Economic & Workforce Development, Retirement Security and Financial Literacy.
Ringhand began working with and mentoring Spreitzer in 2011 when he was elected to the Beloit City Council and she was transitioning to the State Assembly. In 2014, when Ringhand was elected to the State Senate, Spreitzer replaced her in the Assembly.
“She has always been a source of sound advice, and I have deeply appreciated being able to reach out to her for guidance. We’ve introduced bills together, held listening sessions together, walked in parades together, and we’ve attended countless community events together throughout our districts,” Rep. Spreitzer said. “Janis has also been an instrumental member of the leadership team of the Senate Democrats, helping to guide and inform their strategy and message on the floor and beyond.”
She also the produces the regionally popular Ringhand Beer Mustard, which is sold throughout southern Wisconsin. “I look forward to having more time to make and distribute Ringhand Beer Mustard,” she said.
“I hope that she and her husband Gordy enjoy spending time with their family, traveling, and making her famous Ringhand Beer Mustard,” Rep. Spreitzer said.
Senator Ringhand and her husband Gordy have two children, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
“I will always be grateful for the support people have shown throughout the years. I will miss the back-and-forth exchanges with my colleagues at the Capitol and helping folks back home. The time is right for me to move on.”
Later that afternoon, Spreitzer announced his candidacy to fill Senator Ringhand’s shoes in the State Senate.
“Serving the 45th Assembly District as your State Representative for the last 7 years has been an honor,” said Rep. Spreitzer in a press release announcing his campaign. “I am proud of the work we have done together to move our state forward, but I know that there is much more to be done. As your State Senator, I will continue to fight for the principles that have guided me in the State Assembly.”
Rep. Spreitzer said he would continue to push back against extreme attacks on our democracy, protect frontline healthcare workers while helping families and small businesses recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, and work to advance equality and fairness for everyone in our state.
“We must work to empower local communities to solve their most pressing challenges, while giving families more tools to make quality housing, childcare, higher education, and retirement affordable and accessible. I will work to find common ground where I can, and to stand my ground for the communities I represent when I must. I look forward to continuing our work together on the most important issues facing our state.”
Rep. Spreitzer has served in Democratic leadership since 2016, when he was first elected Democratic Caucus Chair. Prior to serving in the Wisconsin State Assembly, Representative Spreitzer served as Beloit City Council President, and worked for his alma mater, Beloit College. He lives with his husband Philip in Beloit. Learn more at MarkForWI.com.
—Adam Krebs