Wisconsin State Capitol (Baylor Spears | Wisconsin Examiner)
Republican Paul Melotik, an Ozaukee County supervisor, and Democrat Bob Tatterson, a retired engineer, have filed to run for an open seat representing Wisconsin’s 24th Assembly District.
The seat is open following the resignation of Sen. Dan Knodl (R-Germantown), who moved to the Senate this month after winning a special election to represent Senate District 8 in April.
Tatterson and Melotik are the only candidates who filed by the May 23 deadline, meaning there will not be a primary election for the seat. Tatterson still needs to file an economic statement of interest by Friday, according to the Wisconsin Elections Commission.
The district includes portions of Washington, Ozaukee and Waukesha counties. The Republican-leaning district, which Knodl has represented since 2008, used to include portions of Milwaukee County, but it was drawn out during 2022 redistricting.
Tatterson, a Mequon resident, said in his campaign announcement that he supports lowering taxes, increasing Wisconsin’s energy independence and making investments in the public school system. He said his core beliefs and agenda in office would contrast with the actions and rhetoric of the Republican-led Assembly.
“Voters in the district want transparency in government, and I believe all voters should have a true choice in selecting who represents them,” said Tatterson.
This won’t be Tatterson’s first time running for the seat, having lost to Knodl in November 2022. Knodl got 64% of the vote, while Tatterson got 35%.
Melotik, a Grafton small business owner, said in his campaign announcement that small government, less regulation and a robust private sector will position Wisconsin for success.
“After eight years of bold conservative leadership from Gov. [Scott] Walker, we must continue to navigate divided government. It’s not easy. But we must be able to clearly articulate a positive conservative vision for the future,” Melotik said.
The general election will be held July 18.
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