Assembly Democrats to elect Gordon Hintz of Oshkosh as new Minority Leader

MADISON — State Rep. Gordon Hintz, of Oshkosh, is expected to be voted in as the next leader of Democrats in the Wisconsin Assembly.

Assembly Democrats were scheduled to vote Tuesday afternoon on who will replace outgoing Minority Leader Peter Barca starting in October. Hintz is the only announced candidate.

Barca has held the post since 2011 but stepped down after Democrats upset with his leadership raised concerns.

Assembly Minority Leader Peter Barca

Several Democrats were angry with Barca joining with majority Republicans in voting for a $3 billion incentive package for Foxconn Technology Group. Barca stood behind Republican Gov. Scott Walker on Monday when he signed the Foxconn bill into law.

Democrats have 35 members in the 99-seat Assembly, their lowest numbers since 1957.