Wisconsin Democrats Sue to Bar Michele Skinner From 31st Senate Ballot Over Residency
Updated
Updated · WPR · Aug 18
Wisconsin Democrats Sue to Bar Michele Skinner From 31st Senate Ballot Over Residency
3 articles · Updated · WPR · Aug 18
Summary
A Democratic lawsuit filed Monday asks a judge to stop the Wisconsin Elections Commission from certifying Republican Michele Magadance Skinner for the Nov. 2026 ballot in the 31st Senate District.
The suit says Skinner is constitutionally ineligible because she has not been a Wisconsin resident for the required 1 year, citing 2025 records that listed homes near Eau Claire and in Dawsonville, Georgia, as primary residences.
Democrats also argue Skinner and her husband improperly claimed tax benefits in two states, alleging she received a Wisconsin Lottery tax credit while he took a Georgia homestead exemption for 2025.
Skinner said she is a lifelong western Wisconsin resident and that confusion stems from her marriage to a Georgia resident; she said an independent CPA found nothing illegal in the couple's tax records.
The case must move quickly because the commission faces an Aug. 25 deadline to certify candidates, and the 31st District is one of 4 swing seats that could help decide Senate control.