CLINTON, Wis. — Former State Representative Ellen Schutt has announced her candidacy for the Wisconsin State Senate in the 11th District, seeking to succeed retiring Sen. Steve Nass, and has already secured the endorsement of Assembly Majority Leader Tyler August.
Schutt said she is stepping forward following Nass’s decision to retire, praising his record as a staunch advocate for taxpayers and limited government.
During her time in the State Assembly representing parts of Rock and Walworth counties, Schutt built a reputation as a reliable conservative voice. She authored legislation expanding Wisconsin’s married persons tax credit, worked to give farmers a stronger voice on county land conservation committees, and led efforts that created safe haven baby boxes — legislation she noted has already saved the life of an infant.
Schutt, who grew up on a family farm outside Darien, said her rural roots shaped her belief in what she describes as small, effective government that supports families, farmers, and small businesses rather than burdening them with regulation. She and her husband, Eric, live in Clinton, where they are raising their young son. Most recently, she has worked with the Wisconsin FFA Foundation, supporting agricultural education and leadership development for rural youth.
Shortly after launching her campaign, Schutt announced she had earned the endorsement of Assembly Majority Leader Tyler August, who praised her integrity and conservative record.
“Ellen Schutt is exactly the kind of principled Republican we need in the State Senate,” August said, adding that she has proven her ability to take on tough fights and deliver results for taxpayers and working families.
Schutt said she is grateful for the support and emphasized a campaign focused on defending taxpayers, supporting law enforcement, protecting life, and ensuring government lives within its means.
Her entry into the race sets up a Republican primary contest against Sandy Wiedmeyer, who recently announced her own bid for the 11th District seat. Wiedmeyer has positioned herself as an “action-oriented leader” in her campaign launch, signaling what is shaping up to be a competitive primary between two conservative candidates seeking to replace Nass.
The winner of the Republican primary will advance to the general election for the open 11th District Senate seat later this year.
13 Responses
Cat fight
Cat Fight ?!? Really, that’s all you have to offer ?
We all know that women are becoming more and more active in politics. Their perspective is definitely different than men for good and not so good reasons.
I hate to see these local women in office cry in public when challenged fairly or unfairly. It happens. Shouldn’t happen but it does.
Buy I really don’t care anymore if it’s a female or male running for office. I care on what they bring to the table !
Both candidates here, (so far) bring political knowledge though their individual experiences are different. It definitely will be an interesting next few months to see where the money goes and how each decides to define their campaign positions. Which I think they did already.
Both have valid ideas and visions.
Have I made my choice already ? Yes I think so.
But I really am looking forward to following their campaigns and hopefully see at least one debate.
These levels of offices tend to be long term stays.
Once elected it’s hard to push the incumbent out.
Samantha Kerkman is a perfect example.
Our local office of Kenosha County Executive is known to be yours to keep until you don’t want it.
Are we “lucky” to have an “R” in that seat ? Yes ! Hopefully Sam will come around. Hopefully she will not feel beholden to the machine she’s in charge of. Hopefully those long term democrat incumbents will be challenged one by one starting with clerk.
But for this Senate office,
WE MUST CHOOSE WISELY !!!!!
This next person with an “R” along side their name needs to truly be a Conservative Republican !!
So look, listen and demand solid answers from these two candidates. Don’t just make this a beauty contest or one where one might be more polished than the other. Let’s not be regretting our choice in November like we had with Sam.
Ellen has a voting record since she has already served in the Assembly. Check it out
Let’s hope she runs a campaign explaining all of that.
A Press Release does not a campaign make
Well , I guess it’s year 250,000 B.C.
Curious if any Democrats are running in that district
They would be foolish not to !
Expect a Challenger. Might not be a good one but they will try
I think you have two formidable candidates and not an easy choice academically so it may be the best organized campaign that prevails.
Think like this. In Kenosha County people ask, “Ellen who?” In Rock and Walworth, it’s “Sandy, who?” The answer will be who gets the vote out best.
Nobody knows anybody.
That’s why the call it a campaign
Ellen Schutt announced her campaign weeks ago….actually years ago when she stepped back for the good of the party from being forced into a nasty primary as a result of re-districting. She has experience, local roots, and character.
What I’m puzzled by is Wiedmeyer getting into this race. As head of the Kenosha Republican Party….shouldn’t she be finding and supporting good candidates and unifying the party? Here we have a qualified/proven republican in Schutt served up on a silver platter….and the Kenosha Republican ‘Party Leader’ is going to divide the party by running against her in a contested primary? We should be concentrating on beating the liberal candidate in the general instead of beating up each other. Wiedmeyer has lost my confidence by her choice here. Kenosha Republicans need to elect a new Chairman…the current one is self-serving.
Wish I thought of that !
That point alone disqualifies Sandy !!
Sandy’s thought process here just doesn’t play out !
Not seeing the bigger picture. Not having vision and sense of history and planning. Long term planning.
Do I believe in predetermined candidates being elevated to positions ? No. But this isn’t that. Ellen was gerrymandered out. Now She’s just coming back in following the system as it is playing out.
From Rec Plex manager to state senator ?
That’s a hell of a jump.
And then to miss this “supporting the best candidate” scenario ?
Ellen’s got my vote on that alone
Need a change
Ellen I will give her a chance
Need some integrity and honestly restored