Democratic-backed Underly elected Wisconsin schools chief
By SCOTT BAUERApril 7, 2021 GMT
MADISON, Wis. (AP) Jill Underly rode support from the state teachers’ union and an overwhelming financial advantage, fueled by the Democratic Party, to win election Tuesday as Wisconsin superintendent of schools, defeating Republican-backed Deb Kerr.
Underly cruised to a double-digit win, based on unofficial results. Democrats hailed the win as a sign of momentum in the swing state, even though liberal-backed candidates for the state school chief have won by wide margins for decades.
Underly, 43, is superintendent of the rural Pecatonica school district and formerly worked for the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, which she will now lead. Kerr, 63, is the former superintendent of the Brown Deer school district in suburban Milwaukee.
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In the 89th Assembly District, which includes the city of Marinette, Republican Elijah Behnke defeated Democrat Karl Jaeger. That race was called with just 50% of precincts reporting. That seat was open after Republican John Nygren resigned from the Legislature.
More local races included the county executive contests in Winnebago and Fond du Lac counties, city council contests in Oshkosh and Fond du Lac, and school board races – including the contest in Green Bay.
One incumbent will stay, another will leave the Green Bay School Board. Incumbent Andrew Becker received the second most votes behind newcomer Nancy Welch. Incumbent Rhonda Sitnikau received the fewest votes of the four candidates on the ballot.
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Jill Underly rode support from the state teachers’ union and an overwhelming financial advantage to win election as Wisconsin superintendent of schools.
Jill Underly rode support from the state teachers’ union and an overwhelming financial advantage, fueled by the Democratic Party, to win election Tuesday as Wisconsin superintendent of schools, defeating Republican-backed Deb Kerr.
Underly cruised to a double-digit win, based on unofficial results.
Underly, 43, is superintendent of the rural Pecatonica school district and formerly worked for the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, which she will now lead. Kerr, 63, is the former superintendent of the Brown Deer school district in suburban Milwaukee.
OCONTO – The 89th Assembly District will continue to be represented by a Republican, as Elijah Behnke won the seat in a special election Tuesday.
The rural Oconto man defeated Democrat Karl Jaeger of Marinette in the heavily Republican district, which stretches from Marinette through the eastern towns of Oconto County to Suamico and Howard in Brown County.
The Associated Press called the race with 16 of 20 precincts reporting and Behnke with 63% of the vote 7,255 votes to Jaeger s 4,343.
Behnke, 38, a cleaning company owner who also operates a hobby farm, advanced to the general election winning nearly 45% of the vote in a five-way primary in February.
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