Preceded by John Lehman (D) Preceded by John Lehman (D) Party Republican Party | Political party Republican Succeeded by John Lehman Name Van Wanggaard | |
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Born April 19, 1952 (age 72)
Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, U.S. ( 1952-04-19 ) Spouse(s) Mary Jo Wanggaard; 2 children Profession Former investigator for the Racine Police Department | ||
Education Gateway Technical College | ||
Van H. Wanggaard (born April 19, 1952) is a Republican member of the Wisconsin Senate, representing the 21st district since January 5, 2015, and before that from January 3, 2011 until July 11, 2012. He was defeated by his predecessor, John Lehman (D), in a recall election, held on June 5, 2012. Wanggaard regained his seat after Lehman decided not to run for reelection in 2014.
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Background/family life
Born in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, Wanggaard graduated from Racine Lutheran High School in 1970. He then graduated from Gateway Technical College with a certificate in Police Science Instruction. Wanggard also took course work at University of Wisconsin–Extension, University of Wisconsin–Parkside, Green Bay Technical College, Milwaukee Area Technical College, Racine Technical College, Gateway Technical College, Wisconsin State Patrol Academy, and the United States Coast Guard National SAR School. Wanggard also taught at Gateway Technical College. He also served on the Racine County, Wisconsin Board of Supervisors 2002-2011. He ran for the Wisconsin State Assembly in 2006, but lost. He previously worked for the Racine Police Department from 1972 to 2001 as an investigator. He and his wife have two children.
Electoral history
This election has been certified.
2014 Senate race
After the 21st was redistricted to be more Republican, Lehman chose not to run for re-election in 2014, opting instead to seek the Democratic nomination for Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin (which he won). Wanggaard sought and received the nomination to run once more for his old seat, drawing 10,561 votes to 4,291 for Jonathan Stetz. He will take on Democrat Randy Bryce in the general election. On November 4, 2014, Wanggaard was elected to the Wisconsin State Senate.