Two conservative candidates have stepped forward to replace the retiring Republican state Senator Steve Nass.

Former State Representative Ellen Schutt previously announced her candidacy.

Now, another Republican candidate, Sandy Wiedmeyer of Bristol, has also announced her candidacy for District 11, which includes portions of Kenosha, Racine, Walworth, and Rock Counties.

“Our communities thrive when government focuses on its core responsibilities and then gets out of the way,” Schutt said. “I believe in fiscal responsibility, respect for life, support for law enforcement, and policies that ease the stress on families trying to make ends meet.”

“Too many of us are struggling with high property taxes, expensive electric bills, and out-of-control healthcare costs. The average age of a first-time homebuyer has risen to 40, and the American Dream seems out of reach for young people,” remarked Wiedmeyer, who is the Kenosha County GOP chair. “I hear the worries of our friends and neighbors, and I am determined to be a part of the solution. That is why I am running for State Senate. I’m a common-sense problem solver who gets things done.”

Here’s what else they both said:

Sandy Wiedmeyer: ‘The 11th State Senate District Needs a Real Conservative Fighter’

“Raised on my family’s farm, I’m no stranger to hard work,” said Wiedmeyer. “The 11th State Senate
district needs a real conservative fighter with spark, passion, and grit as we continue the battle to keep
Wisconsin from turning into Illinois or Minnesota. I’m so proud of our community, and I am all in on
taking my service to the next level to give back to the people of 11th.”

“Sandy’s successful career as an operations superintendent for the RecPlex in Kenosha County began
nearly 20 years ago, where her interest in outreach was sparked by the everyday challenges she saw
facing customers from all walks of life,” her press release says.

“During those early years, her children attended local public schools and eventually went on to UW campuses for college, where they had great experiences. Sandy’s love for the community stems from her positive experience raising her family in the Village of Bristol.”

Her press release continued: “Sandy’s lengthy career success began in her role as a conservative middle school science teacher. Her commitment to quality education for all children is strong, and she believes that kids and communities
thrive when standards are raised high for them to reach, not lowered.”

“The repeated lowering of academic standards by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction robs
children of the futures they deserve,” stated Wiedmeyer. “Less than one-third of Wisconsin students can
read or perform basic math at grade level. That is not only unacceptable for students, it is also a failure to
property taxpayers. The time for conservative change in education is now.”

“In addition, Wiedmeyer has served as the Chair of the Republican Party of Kenosha County since 2022.
Her strategic leadership has been a key factor in moving Kenosha County from a blue to a red county in
recent years,” her release said. “With the help of Sandy and the Kenosha County GOP, President Donald Trump was able to
gain the highest vote share for a Republican presidential candidate in the county since 1972. Chosen by
her peers, Sandy proudly cast her vote for the President as an RNC delegate for the state of Wisconsin. She has spent many years working behind the scenes to help elect conservative leaders with common- sense values, supporting no-nonsense candidates at all levels of government, organizing grassroots efforts.”

Ellen Schutt: ‘Conservative Fighter’

“Former State Representative Ellen Schutt announced today that she is seeking election to the Wisconsin State Senate seat currently held by Senator Steve Nass, following his decision to retire,” Schutt announced in a press release.

“Senator Nass distinguished himself as a fighter for taxpayers and against runaway government,” Schutt said. “I thank him for his decades of service, and I’m excited to step forward to continue that fight.”

Schutt previously served in the Wisconsin State Assembly “representing parts of Rock and Walworth Counties, where she earned a reputation as a strong conservative focused on results. During her time in the legislature, she authored legislation to expand Wisconsin’s married persons tax credit and worked to ensure farmers had a stronger voice on county land conservation committees. Last October, an infant’s life was saved thanks to safe haven baby boxes created through legislation she authored,” the release stated.

“Schutt’s roots in rural southeastern Wisconsin run deep. Growing up on a family farm outside Darien shaped her belief in small, effective government that empowers families, farmers, and small businesses rather than burdening them with mandates and red tape. She and her husband, Eric, live in Clinton, where they are raising their young son,” she wrote.

“Most recently, Schutt worked with the Wisconsin FFA Foundation, supporting agricultural education and leadership development for rural youth across the state,” her press release says.

Schutt said in her press release that “she is running to ensure southeastern Wisconsin continues to have principled, conservative leadership in the State Senate.”

“I’ll be an outspoken voice for conservative values and a strong advocate for rural Wisconsin,” she said.