The number of lawmakers not running for re-election could continue to grow in the coming weeks.
So far, 20 state lawmakers have announced they won’t seek another term in the Legislature. UW-Madison Political Scientist Dennis Dresang says that’s actually a little below average, when compared to other states. He says it’s not all that unusual to see 30-percent turnover in state Legislatures during an election cycle.
Dresang expects the list of those leaving to grow in the coming weeks. Although, he doubts most of those races will have much of an impact on the political make-up of the Senate and Assembly, since many of those open seats are in so-called safe districts and the winner will likely be from the same party.
Still, Dresang expects there to be a heavy focus though from both parties trying to win over the more borderline districts. He says that could cut in to the slim majority Democrats currently hold in both chambers.
Currently, 12 Republicans, seven Democrats, and one Independent have announced they’re leaving the Legislature next fall.
AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (1:05)