Attorney General race: Republican Brad Schimel defeats Democratic challenger Susan Happ

WAUKESHA (WITI) -- Brad Schimel has been declared the winner in the Attorney General Race -- after Democratic challenger Susan Happ conceded Tuesday night, November 4th.

Schimel watched the election results come in with supporters at the Country Springs Hotel in Waukesha Tuesday night, November 4th.

The position opened up when Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen decided not to seek re-election.

Schimel cast his ballot just after 7:00 a.m. Tuesday at the Genesee Depot Town Hall, with his family at his side.

Schimel is currently serving as the Waukesha County District Attorney -- a position he has held since 2006.

Throughout this campaign, he has emphasized that as Attorney General, he would defend Wisconsin laws when they come under attack -- saying his commitment is to the law, not personal ideology.

Speaking with FOX6 News Tuesday morning, Schimel said Tuesday evening's event at the Country Springs Hotel wouldn't be your typical Election Night party.

 

"My band is gonna play tonight and I`ve got a bunch of friends from other bands I`ve played in -- they`re gonna come out. We`re gonna have the best party anywhere," Schimel said.

Schimel's family members told FOX6 News Tuesday night they were nervous, but they said they felt good about his chances in this race.

Schimel has said his priorities are upholding the Constitution, stopping heroin use, fighting internet crimes against children and putting an end to violence against women.

The television ads in this race were particularly heated -- and Schimel responded to that on Tuesday night.

"Well frankly the mudslinging mostly came from outside groups. From both of our perspectives, we were trying, and I know my opponent too was trying to talk about what the issues were. It took a long time for anyone to pay attention to her. I wish that people had checked the websites earlier. Had they done that earlier, then maybe we wouldn't have had such an unknown gap for awhile there," Schimel said.

Susan Happ hosted a rally in Johnson Creek on Election Night.

During this campaign, Happ focused on trying to appeal to female voters.

Susan Happ voted early, and campaign representatives tell FOX6 News she had a quiet Election Day with supporters.

FOX6 News caught up with her on the eve of the election.

"We're feeling energized, optimistic. We're just really pleased with how everything came other, and we're just so happy to have the support of the citizens. The average person realizes what's at stake and we need to get our state back on track," Happ said.

If she was victorious, Happ would have become just the second woman elected as Wisconsin's Attorney General.

CLICK HERE to access SusanHappForWisconsin.com.

CLICK HERE to access BradSchimel.com.