Devin LeMahieu to lead Senate Republicans, again, but with smaller caucus

Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu (R-Oostburg) speaks to reporters after testifying on April 25, 2023. (Baylor Spears | Wisconsin Examiner)

Devin LeMahieu was reelected Thursday to serve as Senate majority leader. He'll lead a smaller Senate Republican caucus than in previous years.

"I am honored by the trust they have placed in me to lead our caucus," LeMahieu said in a statement. "I'm looking forward to working with everyone and having a successful session."

Under new legislative maps that were put in place by the Legislature and Gov. Tony Evers after the Wisconsin Supreme Court determined previous maps were an unconstitutional gerrymander, Democrats flipped four Senate districts during Tuesday's election, ending Senate Republicans' 22-seat supermajority and giving Democrats the opportunity to flip the chamber in 2026. The Senate makeup now includes 18 Republicans and 15 Democrats.

"The No. 1 issue we heard from voters was the effect of rising costs and inflation," LeMahieu said. "Senate Republicans' top priority will be returning the state's surplus to hardworking families."

LeMahieu was first elected to the Senate in 2014, and has served as the majority leader since 2021.

Sen. Mary Felzkowski (R-Tomahawk) was elected as Senate president, replacing Sen. Chris Kapenga (R-Pewaukee).

"The Senators in our caucus represent 18 vastly different areas of the state, and each have their own unique perspectives on the challenges that face Wisconsin," Felzkowski said in a statement. "My focus this session will be continuing to promote successful conservative policies that will enrich the lives of the people of Wisconsin."