Overview
- Wanggaard, 73, said he will retire at the end of his term because he cannot commit fully to a campaign or another four years given health priorities.
- He cited losing three siblings since 2022, a daughter’s Stage 4 cancer diagnosis, and a brother’s heart attack and dementia as key factors.
- The Racine Republican is the longest-serving GOP state senator and the only Republican elected to four terms in the 21st District covering parts of southern Milwaukee and northern Racine counties.
- His decision follows retirements by Sens. Rob Hutton and Steve Nass, leaving three Republican-held seats without incumbents in November.
- Under newly competitive maps, the 21st District is seen as a Democratic target, and a net gain of two GOP seats from the current 18–15 split would hand Democrats Senate control.