Rep. James declares candidacy for senate
Seeks out-going Bernier’s 23rd district seat
Wisconsin state representative Jesse James made visits to Abbotsford and Neillsville on Friday to announce his candidacy for out-going state senator Kathy Bernier’s seat.
Bernier, who will be 66 in April, announced her plans to retire from office earlier this month, ending a 12 year career in the state legislature. Prior to that, Bernier had served 12 years as Chippewa Falls county clerk.
On hand for Rep. James’ announcement at the CAPD police station in Abbotsford last week was state representatives Donna Rozar, Calvin Callahan and Patrick Snyder.
Also in attendance was Clark County sheriff Scott Haines, Spencer police chief Shawn Bauer and Colby/Abbotsford police chief Jason Bauer.
Rozar noted James’ connections to central Wisconsin and his background in law enforcement, citing his status as the only active law enforcement of her party’s caucus and in the state.
“He cares deeply about public safety and the welfare of those in his assembly district, in the 23rd senate district, and throughout Wisconsin,” Rozar said. “Because of this belief, he leads on law enforcement legislation, mental health issues, issues relating to drug abuse and rehabilitation, as well as the police role in a free society.”
James, 49, was elected to the state Assembly in 2018 for the 68th District. He resides in Altoona and grew up in central Wisconsin, graduating from Eau Claire North High in 1990.
Prior to serving in the state legislation James served in the U.S. Army Air Defense, the U.S. Army Reserves as a medic, is a Persion Gulf War veteran, a small business owner and was police and fire chief for the city of Altoona.
He is the chair of the substance abuse and prevention committee and vice chair of the family law committee. He also sits on the committee for children and families, criminal justice and public safety, mental health, small business development and veterans and military affairs.
James thanked Bernier for her services, and cited her role as his mentor. He acknowledged the role of legislation in the state, and the impact it has on Wisconsinite’s lives. “She has done an amazing job. She was one of my biggest supporters and biggest mentors, and taught me a lot as a representative because of our impact that we do, the work that we do, our legalization, our words that we say, do matter.
“They go beyond the districts that we represent. They impact everybody in our state. This is one of the most valuable lessons that I have learned being a part of the state legislature.”
James said with Bernier’s retirement “a door of opportunity opened up for me.” He said he chose to pursue the state senate because he did not want to ask “what if” and felt he could make an even greater difference in the state as a senator.
“I’m the fighter who will continue to go to Madison and get things done. Given my track record in the state assembly, I honestly believe I am the right guy for the job. I want to continue on with that.”
James says he looks forward to carrying the relationships he developed as a state representative into the senate. He noted the difficulty in finding lead authors in the senate for state legislation. “I want to be that conduit. That’s something that I can offer to my fellow representatives, and have that door open for them to come to me as a potential lead in the senate. I look forward to that.”
James touted his resume during his two terms as state representative, citing his votes on issues ranging from public and vocational education, law enforcement, and mental health.
“One of the things that I will always do is back to the badge, and I am honored to do that 100 percent . . . I fought for additional mental health facilities in the Chippewa Valley, and resources for those suffering from a mental health crisis.”
James vowed to continue his work in those fields, and the issues facing central Wisconsin and the Chippewa Valley.
“I promise to always support our children. I’m proud to say today I’ve kept that promise. I’ve voted over the last two budgets to invest millions in the classroom and secured two thirds funding for public schools,” James said.
“I’m currently fighting to give our law enforcement officers bonuses, resources and additional training dollars to protect them from violence.”
James said he is also a strong advocate in the war on drugs and the opioid abuse crisis.
“I promise to help address the drug issues in the Chippewa Valley and our region. We know that meth and opioids are ravaging our communities, and I am supporting bills that are hopefully coming to the floor next week to address these issues.”
James then pivoted to his plans for the future, noting his stance against critical race theory and his intention to keep children in the classrooms.
“As your next state senator, I will continue fighting for our future because it is about the young ones. I will fight to keep our kids in school and keep critical race theory (CRT) out of our children’s classrooms. God created everyone equal, and we should be teaching nothing less.”
James also addressed the issues of infl ation and prices on the rise, vowing to bring common sense and a pro growth approach to the problem. He reiterated his commitment to law enforcement, and outlined his stance on such controversial issues as critical race theory, abortion and qualified immunity.
“I will continue to stand against those who want to get rid of qualified immunity for our law enforcement. I will always defend, not defund, our law enforcement. I will be an outspoken advocate for life and protecting the unborn, and I will work to ensure that our elections remain free, safe and secure. Wisconsin has come a long way over the past decade, but there’s still a lot more work to do.
Bernier’s serves the 23rd senate district. Her seat is made up of the 67th, 68th and 69th state assembly districts. Bernier’s current term will end on Jan. 3, 2023.
ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL -State representative Jesse James, center, poses with his fellow state legislators and several local law enforcement officials. From left to right, is Clark County sheriff Scott Haines, Spencer police chief Shawn Bauer, CAPD police chief Jason Bauer, state representative Patrick Snyder (85th district), state represetntaive Calvin Callahan (35th district) and state representative Donna Rozar (69th District). James announced his candidacy for Bernier’s state senate seat last Friday.STAFF PHOTO/ROSS PATTERMANN
