Toss-Up in Milwaukee Suburbs: Bird vs. Donovan for 61st Assembly Seat

MILWAUKEE, Wis (Civic Media) – The race for Wisconsin’s 61st Assembly District is shaping up to be a closely watched rematch, as Democrat LuAnn Bird seeks to defeat Republican incumbent Bob Donovan in a district that could help determine control of the state Assembly.

The newly redrawn district, including parts of southwestern Milwaukee, Greendale, Hales Corners, and Greenfield, is considered a toss-up. Donovan narrowly won in 2022 by just 525 votes. The race was previously held in the 84th District under the old maps, but it is now designated as the 61st District.

There’s a preview of this race and others on the Civic Media Wisconsin State Legislature Voter Guide.

Bird, a former executive director of the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin, is emphasizing her support for affordable child care and abortion rights. She recently announced an endorsement from Teamsters Local 344 and plans a live Q&A event tomorrow night with Emilio De Torre, executive director of a local social justice organization. The event will be held at Sugar Maple on E. Lincoln Ave from 6pm to 8pm.

Donovan, a longtime GOP officeholder and former Milwaukee Common Council member, is touting his experience in local government and ability to pass bipartisan legislation. He is hosting a campaign event with U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil on Monday, to be held at Cliffords in Greenfield.

The race is one of several that Democrats are targeting in hopes of flipping control of the Assembly for the first time in over a decade.

In person, absentee voting starts next week in many communities. You can see your ballot and find out more about the voting process at MyVote.WI.Gov.