Perspective is Important After Elections
Senator Smith offers his insights after reflecting on the election results and gives perspective on the gains made by Democrats in the Senate and Assembly.
EAU CLAIRE - I know this is a time of recovery after a long and grueling election season. It’s when we all need to take deep breaths and resolve ourselves to accept the results no matter how we voted. Some who read this may have chosen to sit this election out. The final count proved there were fewer voters who participated than there were four years ago. We all have our reasons for who we vote for, and I know firsthand how exhilarating it can be to win and how crushing it can be to lose. 2024 had a lot of both.
While 90% of media coverage and attention landed on the presidential campaign and results, there were plenty of other consequential races and results to pay attention to. Wisconsin, once again, was a deciding factor for who resides in the White House, but once again proved we are a purple state. While Republican Donald Trump came out on top in Wisconsin for president, Democrat Tammy Baldwin won a third term in the United State Senate. Approximately 58,000 voters may have voted for Trump and for Baldwin on the same ballot.
Lost in the headlines from Election Day was that Wisconsin voters clearly decided on a more balanced State Legislature. Much has been reported over the years about Wisconsin Republicans who gerrymandered Wisconsin to give themselves a 22-11 super majority in the State Senate and an insurmountable 64-35 majority in the State Assembly. After many court cases and elections, Republicans and Democrats finally agreed to a new competitive legislative map in 2024 with very different results.
Going into the 2025 legislative session, Republicans will still hold majorities in both houses, but it looks quite different now. After flipping four seats out of 16 that were up for election this year, the Senate is now significantly more balanced with 18 Republicans and 15 Democrats. In the Assembly, 10 seats were flipped so the numbers are now 54-45. In all, Democrats won 14 seats, regained the ability to uphold the Governor's veto authority and better reflects Wisconsin’s purple political hue.
It’s been 14 years since the margins have been that close. There are only a few legislators still serving who were in office before 2011 when such slim margins were common and majorities swung back and forth. It is only when there are such close margins, coupled with the looming threat of losing power, that the two parties really tend to consider all opinions and work together in meaningful ways.
This was what voters have been asking for. “Can’t you all just get along and work together?” Politicians won’t always get along, but keeping elections close for either political party will force lawmakers to work together.
This makes me hopeful and optimistic. Republican lawmakers will need to relearn the art of diplomacy and statesmanship and Democrats will need to find opportunities for common agreement.
The return of real debate, consideration of amendments and being open to respectful consideration of all ideas to make laws better would be a welcome change. Maybe the majority leaders will consider allowing committees to hold hearings on bills introduced by minority members and give the public a chance to hear other perspectives.
So, while most of the attention is still on what happens in Washington, we have plenty of reason to be hopeful in Wisconsin that politics will look much different here.
Senator Smith represents District 31 in the Wisconsin State Senate. The 31st Senate District includes all of Buffalo, Pepin and Trempealeau counties and portions of Pierce, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson and St. Croix counties.
Senator Smith highlights the vibrant cultural benefits of Wisconsin’s 11 federally recognized tribes and encourages everyone to find ways to celebrate November as Native American Heritage Month.
I feel a great sense of admiration for the strength, pride and persistence within Native communities. For generations, Native Americans have held onto their cultural identities despite tremendous adversity. From preserving languages and traditions to revitalizing cultural practices, Native communities are actively reclaiming their heritage and future. I’ve seen Native youth proudly wearing traditional attire like ribbon skirts and beaded earrings, celebrating their cultures and sharing their stories. This visibility is powerful, reminding all of us that Native culture isn’t a relic of the past, but a vibrant contribution to our present and future.
As Native American Heritage Month should be a recognition to incorporate Indigenous perspectives into our daily lives and decision-making processes, let’s honor our first nations by learning about Wisconsin’s 11 federally recognized tribes, educating others, celebrating traditions and acknowledging the past. You can visit 
Senator Smith celebrates our upcoming Veterans Day this coming November 11th by highlighting the need to support all of our veterans and the programs that support them.
In recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic exposed weaknesses in our healthcare system, making it clear that we need to improve access to essential services, particularly in rural areas. Telehealth emerged as an invaluable resource during the pandemic, helping veterans access medical care remotely. Yet, this potential solution has a significant barrier: internet access. Around 30 percent of Wisconsin’s rural veterans lack broadband, which limits their ability to benefit from telehealth services. Expanding broadband in rural areas would make it easier for veterans to get the care they need without facing long travel times to reach VA facilities.
Senator Smith highlights the work being done around the state, and locally in Eau Claire, to remove and replace lead pipes.
Lead components have been banned since 1986. But there are plenty of homes that still have lead laterals. In Wisconsin there are 141,473 known private lead service lines. In the City of Eau Claire alone there are an estimated 1,200 homes in need of pipe replacement.
Senator Smith encourages voters to take advantage of early in-person voting and highlights local efforts to make voting accessible and encourages voters to use these opportunities to exercise their right to vote.
By voting early, you reduce the stress of having to navigate potential complications on Election Day. Traffic delays, long lines or even personal emergencies can prevent voters from reaching the polls on time. Early voting removes these obstacles and allows you to cast your ballot at your own convenience.
You’re also making sure that any potential issues with your ballot—such as a clerical error or a problem with voter registration—can be resolved well before the polls close on Election Day.