Democrats have lost seats in the Wisconsin Assembly, but state Representative Peter Barca has retained his leadership role for the upcoming legislative session.
The veteran Kenosha lawmaker fended off a challenge from Representative Evan Goyke of Milwaukee, who’s serving his first term in the legislature.
Barca will serve as Democratic minority leader while Republicans in the Assembly enjoy their largest majority in the chamber in more than 50 years.
State Representative Katrina Shankland was elected as assistant minority leader and Representative Andy Jorgenson as Democratic caucus chairman.
State Senate Democrats are scheduled to elect new leadership on Wednesday. Senator Chris Larson of Milwaukee announced Tuesday that he would step down as Democratic leader, and members expected to elect Senator Jennifer Shilling of La Crosse to succeed him.