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Wisconsin Senate president Mary Lazich will not seek re-election

Published  March 21, 2016 6:02pm CDT
Scott Walker
Associated Press

MADISON — Senate President Mary Lazich has abruptly announced she won't run for re-election this fall.

The New Berlin Republican issued a statement Monday, March 21st announcing that she won't seek another term. She didn't offer any explanation. A message left at her Capitol office wasn't immediately returned.

The 63-year-old Lazich was first elected to the Assembly in 1992. She resigned from that body in 1998 when she won a special Senate election.

She has served in that chamber ever since. She worked as the Senate's president during the 2016-16 session and has served several stints on the Legislature's powerful budget committee during her career in Madison.

Republicans currently control the Senate 19-14. Democrats will have a difficult time trying to take Lazich's seat in November. Her district is staunchly conservative.

Governor Scott Walker issued this statement:

"State Senate President Mary Lazich has left a real mark on state government.  I appreciate her many years of service to her district and our beloved state.  Mary and I served together in the state Assembly and even shared a carpool for a few years.  There, I saw her devotion to her core values.  She will be missed and we wish her well."