MARSHFIELD – A Republican has entered the race for Wisconsin’s 23rd State Senate District.
Brian Westrate, of Fall Creek, announced last week his candidacy for the seat currently held by Kathy Bernier, R-Chippewa Falls. Bernier, who has held the seat since 2018, announced last week she would not seek a new term in the November election.
The 23rd State Senate District covers portions of Clark and western Wood and Marathon counties in central Wisconsin, as well as Chippewa and portions of Eau Claire, Dunn and northern Trempealeau and Jackson counties.
Westrate said in a news release he’s running on “limiting government and restoring liberty.”
“As a father, I feel it is my duty to stand up for liberty and the rule of law,” Westrate said in the release. “Gov. Evers’ policies have curtailed our freedoms, hurt our state, and made it harder for people to pursue their American dream. I’m running to shrink government, expand liberty, and promote policies that affirm life and our ability to make an honest living.”
Westrate lives in Fall Creek with his wife, Beth, and their two children. He founded two small businesses in Altoona, including an independent insurance agency, the release said. Westrate said he is a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association, a past president of the Wild Turkey Federation and is “100% pro-life.”
Westrate has gained the support of former Gov. Scott Walker, who served in office from 2011 to 2018, when he lost his reelection campaign to Evers.
“Brian Westrate believes that the people in the Chippewa Valley know how to live their lives better than the bureaucrats in Madison,” Walker said. “He is a devoted husband and father, honest businessman, community volunteer, man of faith, and active supporter of common-sense conservative ideas.”
The general election will take place Nov. 8.
Contact USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin reporter Melissa Siegler at msiegler@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Marie2Melissa.
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